COL.  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  FLOWERS 
MEMORIAL  COLLECTION 


DUKE  UNIVERSI-n'  LIBRARY 
DURHAM, N   C 


PRESENTfO  BY 

W.  W.  FLOWLRS 


WAR: 


A  POEM,  AVITH  COPIOUS  NOTES, 


FOUNDED  m  THE  REVOLUTIO.^  OF  186M2, 


(UP  TO  THE  BlTTLES  BEFORE  RICHMOND.  INCLUSIVE,) 

'V 


BY 

JOHN  H.  HEWITT. 


-In  a  moment,  look  to  see 


The  blind  and  bloody  soldier  with  foul  hand 

Defile  the  locks  of  your  shrill-shrieking  daughter ; 

Your  fathers  taken  by  their  silver  beards, 

And  their  most  reverend  heads  clash'd  to  the  wall ; 

Your  naked  infants  spitted  upon  pikes  ; 

Whiles  the  mad  mothers  with  their  howls  confused 

Do  break  the  clouds. — Shakspeare — Henri/  V. 

Mark  where  his  carnage  and  his  conquest  cease ; 
He  makes  a  solitude,  and  calls  it — peace  ! 

Byronh  Bride  of  Abydos. 


RICHMOND,    VA.: 

PUBLISHED   BY   ^VEST   &   JOHNSTON, 

NO.  145   MAIN   STREET. 

1862. 


R.    W.   QIBBES,   PRINTER,   COLUMBIA,   8.   C. 


'^/-  >• 


DEDICATION. 


To  James  Barron  Hope,  Esq. 

Dear  Friend:  Please  excuse  the  liberty  I  take  in  dedicating  to  you 
the  following  hastily  written  poem,  which  I  dare  not  dignify  with  the 
title  of  epic.  The  remembrance  of  past  hours,  of  pleasant  associations, 
the  many  kindly  favors  which  I  acknowledge  at  your  hands';  and  more 
particularly  my  admiration  for  your  shining  merits  as  a  scholar,  a 
patriot  and  a  gentleman,  have  induced  me  to  inscribe  these  pages  to 
you. 

You  will  find,  on  perusal,  much  to  condemn  as  bordering  on  the 
doggerel — but  you  must  be  aware  that  when  a  poet  is  bound  down  to 
facts,  he  is  compelled  to  throw  the  ideal  aside ;  at  least,  I  have  found 
it  so  in  attempting  to  chronicle  the  events  of  the  war  in  rhyme. 

Yours  ever, 

THE  AUTHOR. 


1 


26S468 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  election  of  a  sectional  President,  and  one,  too,  an  acknowledged 
enemy  to  the  institutions  of  the  South,  in  18G1,  fired  that  portion  of 
the  happiest  and  most  glorious  nation  in  the  world  with  indignation. 
The  conservative  element  of  both  sections  looked  on  aghast — they  had 
'been  defeated  in  their  endeavors  to  ward  off  the  appending  storm,  and 
a  majority  of  the  electoral  vote  proclaimed  Abraham  Lincoln,  the 
Abolitionist  candidate,  President  elect  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

South  Carolina  was  the  first  State  to  deny  the  authority  of  a  purely 
sectional  chief  executive  ;  she  raised  the  banner  of  "rebellion,"  and  was 
followed  by  the  rest  of  the  cotton  States,  Georgia,  Alabama,  Louisiana, 
Mississippi,  Texas  and  Florida;  the  border  States,  Delaware,  Maryland, 
Virginia,  North  Carolina,  Tennessee,  Kentucky,  Missouri  and  Arkan- 
sas, remaining  in  statu  q^to. 

During  the  interim  between  the  election  and  inauguration  of  Lincoln, 
the  seyen  cotton  States  prepared  to  resist  the  threatened  coercion  of 
the  United  States.  They  armed  themselves  and  seized  the  forts,  arse- 
nals, armories,  ships,  war  materials,  &c.,  of  the  Federal  Government, 
and  secured  themselves  against  invasion.  Troops  were  mustered  into 
service  and  instructed  in  camp  duty,  and  Ihe  youth  of  the  city  and  the 
rural  district  rushed  to  the  standard  of  the  Southern  Confederacy. 

Major  11.  Anderson,  the  commandant  of  the  forts  in  Charleston 
harbor,  was  summoned  to  surrender  the  property  under  his  charge.  He 
at  the  time  occupied  Fort  Moultrie.  Assuming  acquiescence  to  the 
demand,  he  put  the  "  rebels  "  off  their  guarcJ",  and  suddenly  changed 
his  quarters  to  Fort  Sumter,  a  new  and  strong  work  in  the  centre  of 
the  harbor.  This  act  of  duplicity  greatly  exasperated  the  people,  and 
a  determitfed  siege  was  commenced.  Thousands  of  troops  were  called 
to  Charleston  ;  strong  batteries  were  constructed  on  every  available 
point  around  the  stronghold  of  the  Federalists,  and  all  intercourse  with 
tilt!  main  land  or  sea  cut  off.  This  fort  remained  in  a  beleaguered  state 
until  the  13th  of  April. 

Tn  the  meanwhile  the  Southerners  had  takcn»possession  of  many  of 
the  military  works  on  the  coast  of  Florida.  Fort  Pickens  resisted,  and 
was  besieged  in  a  likt;  manner  as  Fort  Sumter.     It  was  reinforced  by 


262^68 


vi  INTRODUCTION. 

the  Federal  riovcrnmcnt  on  the  11th  of  April,  and  also  protected  by 
a  large  naval  force. 

On  the  4th  of  March  Abraham  Lincoln  was  inaugurated  President 
of  the  United  States.  His  address  on  that  occasion,  defining  his  posi- 
tion, was  considered,  even  by  the  moderate  men,  as  equivalent  to  a 
declaration  of  war  against  the  South,  lie  'denied  the  right  of  States 
to  govern  themselves;  urged  that  the  United  States  was  the  Govern- 
ment, and  that  independent  sovereignty  was  a  mere  myth.  These 
doctrines  were,  of  course,  scouted  by  the  South,  and  the  war  fever 
becanio  more  intense. 

The  border  States,  in  the  meanwhile,  endeavored  to  allay  the  rising* 
storm.  Virginia  had  called  a  State  Uonvcntion ;  plans  were  proposed 
by  the  leading  men  of  the  border  States;  some  of  the  conservative 
men  even  of  the  seceded  States  threw  themselves  into  the  breach,  and 
suggested  conciliatory  plans.  Commissioners  were  sent  from  Richmond 
to  Washington  to  propose  plans  of  settlement — a  Peace  Congress 
assembled  at  the  latter  place,  and  wise  and  grey-headed  men  implored 
the  Executive  and  his  advisers  to  act  with  moderation  and  listen  to  the 
just  and  honorable  claims  of  an  oppressed  people.  It  was  uU  in  vain;' 
fanaticism  ruled  the  councils  of  the  dominant  party,  and  the  institutions 
of  the  South  must  be  crushed  out,  it  mattered  not  what  the  cost  might 
be. 

The  Confederate  (!ovcrnment  sent  to  Washington  Commissioners  to 
negotiate  with  the  United  States  Government,  and  to  settle,  if  possible, 
the  points  at  Issue.  These  Oominissioners  were  detained  day  after  day, 
and  ultimately  received  their  dismissal  without  accomplishing  anything. 
]Jy  this  delay  the  Cabinet  gained  time — their  jilans,  though  hurried, 
were  carried  out,  and  war,  with  all  its  accompanying  horrors,  was 
determined  upon.  The  Commi.ssioners  were  induced  to  believe  that 
Forts  Sumter  and  Pickens  would  be  surrendered  to  their  rightful 
owners  without  resort  to  powder  and  ball,  but  the  policy  acted  upon  by 
the  Federal  Cabinet  was  based  upon  deceit  and  villainy,  if  men  are  to 
believe  the  exposures  wliich  were  subsoqueritly  given  to  the  world. 
One  of  these  exposures  was  the  inhuman  determination  of  the  Federal 
Cabinet  to  sacrifice  Anderson  and  his  men,  in  order  that  the  North 
might  be  fully  aroused  to  the  necessity  of  pushing  the  unnatural  war  to 
a  bloody  extreme. 

.  The  Commissioncrs^eturncd ;  and  on  the  12th  of  April  the  South 
Carolina  batteries  under  command  of  Gen.  Beauregard  opened  on  Fort 
Sumter,  and  a  bloody  and  protracted  war  was  inaugurated. 


CANTO   I. 


A  sullen  murmur,  like  the  moan  of  waves 
Tftat  circle  round  old  Ocean's  hidden  caves, 
Comes  on  the  feverish  air*;  now  louder  still 
The  sound  swells  out  o'er  valley  and  o'er  hill, 
Until  it  falls,  like  thunder  on  the  ear — 
Stirs  the  proud  soul  and  strikes  the  churl  with  fear. 

On,  in  his  barb'd  and  fiery-steeded  car, 
With  Death  and  Rapine,  rushes  angry  War, 
Flaunting  his  blood-red  banner  in  the  wind, 
And  laughing  at  the  crush'd  hearts  left  behind. 
The  vulture  soars  above  his  reeking  track, 
And  lightning  shafts  are  flashing  at  his  back ; 
While  from  his  car-wheels  issue  thunder  tones 
That  blend  with  shrieks  and  dying  warrior's  groans. 
He  calls  on  man  to  slay  his  fellow  man, 

And  points  to  glorj^  as  his  rich  reward ; 
Laurels  that  flourish  in  the  bloody  van^ 

Reap'd  by  the  strong  arm  and  the  weeping  sword. 
Then  up,  ye  sleepers ! — 't  is  the  loud  decree. 
Repel  the  foe — or  live  in  ignomy: 
Famine  and  fire — the  bayonet — the  ball 
Must  be  withstood;  obey  your  country's  call. 
Ye  may  not  see  old  age — but  then,  ye  may 
From  Fame's  high  temple  tear  the  cro^s^n  away, 


b  SOUTHERN   VOLUNTEERING. 

And  live  in  story  or  in  graceful  song, 

Your  grave  the  Mecca  of  th'  admiring  throng. 

Aye — this  is  glory  for  the  chief,  but  none 

Trace  honors  on  the  soldier's  grey  headstone. 

Arm,  then,  for  right — for  home — for  those  you  love, 

The  good 's  in  doing  what  your  hearts  approve ; 

Leave  fame  to  those  whose  ears  invite  the  sound. 

Your  duty  is  to  yield  no  space  of  ground :  ^ 

For,  what  is  war  but  strife  for  mastery? 

The  gates  of  mercy  close — while  passions  riot; 
Hosts  clash  with  hosts,  like  billows  of  the  sea. 

And  where  there's  desolation  there  is  quiet. 
War  is  the  god  of  some  men ;  wreaths  and  crowns 
Are  pluck'd  from  cannons'  mouths  and  burning  towns; 
Their  deitj-,  tho'  clothed  in  robes  of  blood, 
And  scattering  terror  over  land  and  flood, 
Looks  smiling  in  their  eyes,  and,  like  the  sun 
Warms  into  life  the  flower  it  shines  upon. 
Perchance  it 's  so — but  brothers^  when  they  meet, 
Should  have  a  hand  and  not  a  sword  to  greet ; 
And  let  our  anger  guide  us  as  it  will, 
A  brother  has  a  brother's  feelings  still. 

'Mid  orange  groves,  in  mountain  passes  Mild, 
O'er  pregnant  fii'lds  where  bounteous  Nature  smiled, 
Li  busy  marts,  t\n}  battle  cry  rings  loud 
From  godlike  lips  amid  the  surging  crowd. 
The  Southron  answers  to  the  stirring  call. 
The  vale — the  plain — the  hill — the  dazzling  hall, 
Send  forth  their  bands  of  youthful  chivalry. 
Strong  in  the  rigl^t,  determined  to  be  free. 


THE    VOLUNTEERS   FAREAVELL. 

Old  rifles,  sabres — rusted  o'er  by  timCj 
Borne  when  our  patriot  sires  were  in  their  prime, 
Once  more  come  forth  and  shine  in  bright  array, 
Eeady  to  do — when  brave  men  lead  the  way. 

There  sat  all  mute  a  Southern  maid — her  eyes 
Were  fill'd  with  tears — the  heart's  sweet  memories 
Were  spoken  in  her  sighs — joys  past  and  gone — 
A  weeping  flower — a  lute  without  a  tone. 
Beside  her  stood  a  youth — his  lofty  brow 

Bent  downward,  while  his  flashing  eyes  betray 'd 
The  burning  love  he  scarcely  dared  a^^ow, 

But  well  he  knew  the  call  must  be  obey'd. 
He  grasp'd  his  father's  musket  in  his  hand, 

His  mother's  Bible  rested  on  his  heart — 
"I  go,"  he  said,  "to  shield  my  native  land, 

But  ere  I  go  I  'd  say  how  dear  thou  art. 
See  on  the  plain  my  young  companions  throng, 
Their  banner  in  the  breeze — their  swelling  song 
Invites  to  conflict.     Would'st  thou  have  me  stay 
And  not  be  up  at  Freedom's  dawning  day? 
Virginia  calls — the  hireling  hosts  have  press'd 
Their  iron  heels  upon  a  mother's  breast; 
Her  golden  fields  are  trodden — desolate. 
Her  people  feel  a  tyrant's  deadly  hate  ! 
Maid  of  the  South ! — dearer  to  me  than  life, 
Would'st  thou  consent  to  be  a  craven's  wife  ? " 
The  maid  arose — shook  back  her  raven  hair. 
Her  eyes  shone  bright,  but  not  a  tear  was  there; 
Firmly  she  grasp'd  his  hand,  and  whispered  "No — 
This  is  my  off'ring  to  my  country — go !" 


10  THE    RANGERS. 

Wluit  pen  can  tell  a  mother's  love — what  song 
Can  speak  the  fondness,  durable  and  strong, 
A  mother  wraps  around  her  child — her  joy, 
The  hope  of  coming  years,  her  darling  boy? 
;She  gives  him  to  the  cause,  the  widow's  gift, 
And  bids  him  high  his  country's  standard  lift, 
Strike  for  his  home — his  rights;  and,  should  he  fall 
An  angel  host  will  bear  his  funeral  pall. 

The  young  wife  fills  the  homespun  haversack, 
Buckles  the  knapsack  on  her  husband's  back. 
Kisses  his  sun-bronz'd  cheek  and  weeps  awhile. 
Then,  scorning  tears,  she  summons  up  the  smile ; 
Gives  him  her  babe  and  bids  him  kiss  once  more 
The  little  treasure  ere  he  goes  to  war. 
Proudly  she  scans  him  and  his  rifle  too. 
For  well  she  knows  they  both  are  staunch  and  true. 
And  bids  him  go  and  join  the  doubtful  fight, 
The  strife  of  Southern  riglit  and  Northern  nught. 

They  mount  their  restless  steeds,  the  Ranger  band, 
With  carbine  slung  and  shining  knife  in  hand ; 
Over  the  prairie,  thro'  the  shadowy  glen. 
Up  hilly  slopes,  on  speed  those  fearless  men. 
The  rocks  send  back  their  wild  and  piercing  cry. 
While  the  proud  eagle  leaves  his  roost  on  high. 
And,  half  afright,  joins  in  the  elfin  song, 
Mockiqg  the  war-cry  as  he  soars  along. 
Gathering,  still  gathering — from  river  swamp. 

From  jungle  wild,  from  glen  and  lofty  crag,' 
Until  they  mass  in  one  far-stretching  camp, 

And  crowd  around  the  Southern  rainbow  flag. 


BATTLE   OF  TORT   SUMTER. 


11 


Brothers 'are  there,  and  hoary-headed  sires, 

And  beardless  youths,  and  pretty  vivandieres; 
One  pulse,  one  glow  the  common  soul  inspires,  * 

In  Freedom's  cause  the  high  and  low  are  peers. 
The  young  and  beaiitiful  with  patience  ply 
The  needle  for  the  soldier's  canopy; 
While  gray-hair'd  matrons  knit  with  trembling  hand. 
To  clothe  the  heroes  of  their  Southern  land* 
Aj^e — lisping  babes  are  taught  the  wild  refrain 
That  brings  the  faint  heart  back  to  life  again.* 
Hark  !  from  old  Moultrie's  cannon'd  embrasures  f 
Belch  streams  of  flame,  the  angry  war-dog  roars, 

*The  homely  air  of  "Dixie/'  of  ex.tremely  doubtful  origin,  though 
pretty  generally  believed  to  have  sprung  from  a  nohh  stock  of  South- 
ern stevedore  melodies,  became  spontaneously  the  national  tune.  The 
words  are  uncouth  and  unmeaning;  some  patriotic  verses  have  however 
been  wedded  to  the  mongrel  melody,  and  have  proved  stirring.  The 
children  in  all  sections  of  the  Confederacy  were  taught  to  sing  it,  while 
at  the  North  to  do  so  was  treason. 

■\  On  the  night  of  the  12th  of  April  the  Confederate  batteries,  under 
Gen.  Beauregard,  opened  on  Fort  Sumter,  in  Charleston  harbor.  The 
fire  was  returned  by  i\lajor  Anderson,  then  in  command,  and  the  bom- 
bardment continued  throughout  that  night  and  the  next  day  and  night, 
30  hours.  The  flagstaff  was  shot  away  by  our  guns;  and  soon  it  was 
announced  that  "Fort  Sumter  was  on  fire."  A  flag  of  truce  was  dis- 
played, and  Col.  Wigfall,  who  was  appointed  Aid  to  Gen.  Ikauregard, 
went  with  a  white  flag  to  off"er  a.ssistan6e  to  extinguish  the  flames. 
He  approached  the  burning  fortress  from  Morris'  Island,  and  while 
the  fire  was  raging  on  all  side?,  efl!"ected  a  landing.  He  demanded 
that  the  Union  flag  must  be  haufcd  down  or  the  firing  would  not  cease. 
This  was  done,  and  Sumter  surrendered  to  South  Carolina — the  firing 
then  ceased.  Anderson  and  his  men  sustained  themselves  bravely,  and 
they  were  allowed  to  honor  the  old  flag  with  a  salute  as  it  came  to  the 
giVjund ;  tViis  salute  caused  the  death  of  four  soldiers  by  the  bursting 
of  a  gun — the  only  blood  that  was  spilt  during  the  aff"air.  The  vene- 
rable Edmund  Ruflin,  of  Virginia,  discharged  the  first  gun  from  the  iron 
battery  at  Cumming's  Point.  He  sub.sequently  shot  all  the  guns  and 
mortars  used  durin;'  the  action. 


12  SUBRENDER   OF.  FORT   SUAfTER. 

And  murderous  shells  sweep,  humming,  thro'  tiie  air, 
Bursting  in  fragments — scattering  everywhere. 
On  Sumter,  lo ! — the  starry  banner  flies, 

The  proud  Palmetto  streams  o'er  Moultrie's  walls; 
Both  give  defiance  to  their  enemies, 

And  tell  of  triumph — when  the  other  falls. 
Peal  upon  peal,  the  red  shot  flying  fa^st. 

Like  buriJ^ng  meteors  rushing  thro'  the  sky; 
The  dun  smoke  rolls — the  heavens  are  overcast. 

And  sea  waves  roar  in  uncouth  harmony. 
Sumter  awakes,  and,  thundering,  answers  back, 
The  iron  hail  speeds  on  its  airy  track; 
Tiouder  the  roar — old  ocean's  billows  groan, 
AVhile  sea-birds  shriek  in  wild  and  mournful  tone. 
All  day,  all  night  the  stubborn  flght  goes  on, 
Another  sun  lights  up  another  mom, 
And  still  the  cannon  chant  their  thundering  song, 
The  howling  shot  speed  fearfully  along. 
The  Union  flag  has  fallen  in  its  pride! 
The  sign  for  which  so  many  braves  have  died. 
Sumter 's  on  fire  ! — the  flames  dart  up  the  sky, 
Volumes  of  smoke  rise  in  dark  majesty — 
Her  guns  are  hush'd,  the  white  flag  now  they  raise, 
Our  batteries  no  more  send  forth  thoir  blaze. 
Ilail,  Beauregard!  whose  peerless  genius  plunn'd 
The  first  great  vict'ry  of  the  Southern  land. 
Sumter  has  fall'n,  and  Carolina's  sons 
Have  fell'd  her  flag  and  hush'd  her  monster  guns. 

Swift  thro'  the  land  the  thrilling  tidings  sped, 
The  blow  was  struck — the  first  blood  had  beei\  shed ; 


"WAR   FEELING   AT   THE   NORTH.  13 

The  Union  totter  d — loud  the  call  to  arms, 
The  drum  was  beat — the  trumpet's  wild  alarms 
Summou'd  the  hirelings  of  the  lordly  North 
To  seize  their  arms  and  push  their  standard  forth. 
Thro'  every  loyal  State — thro'  every  town 
Where  lived  the  memory  of  the  traitor  Brown,* 
The  call  was  made  for  fearless  men  and  stout, 
To  coerce  States  and  "  crush  rebellion  out." 

The  orator  arose  with  pliant  tongue, 
He  touched  the  feelinffs  of  the  motley  throng; 
Spoke  of  the  Union,  Constitution,  laws. 
Of  Southern  "rebels"  and  their  hellish  cause, 
The  God-forsaken,  starving  mob — whose  hope 
Was  fratricide,  whose  end  would  be-^a  rope! 
The  "  stars  and  stripes,"  the  noble  sign  of  old, 
Must  be  sustain'd  in  every  stitch  and  fold ; 
'From  Maine  to  Texas,  waving  proud — sublime, 
From  that  day  forlji  until  the  end  of  Time. 
And  then,  oh!  strange  consistency!  he  told 
Of  dark-eyed  maiden«,  hoards  of  yellow  gold, 
Rich  farms  and  slaves,  by  Nature's  birthright  free, 
All  should  be  theirs  who  proved  their  loyalty. 
"  Booty  and  Beauty,"  was  the  Vandal  cry, 
The  burning  brand,  the  knife  of  crimson  dye; 
A  servile  uprise  in  a  peaceful  home. 
Where  discontent  was  never  known  to  come. 

*  Alluding  to  John  Brown,  who  was  convicted  and  hung  prior  to  the 
war,  for  treason  ajrainst  the  State  of  A'irginia.  His  daring  raid  upon 
the  unprepare<l  citizens  of  a  inrmber  of  the  Tnitcd  States,  and  his  vile 
endeavor  to  create  a  servile  insurrection,  won  hiiu  the  title  of  martyr, 
from  his  sympathizing  abolition  friends. 


11  BALTIMORE. 

The  pulpit,  Avhcre  God's -love  should  be  the  theme, 
Wus  made  the  forge  of  mad  fanatic's  scheme;   * 
Instead  of  prayers  for  sins  to  be  forgiven, 
Or  supplicating  peace — majestic  Heaven 
Wa8  call'd  upon  to  launch  its  holy  ire. 
To  slay  the  rebel  with  consuming  fire; 
The  cities,  towns  and  handets,  wlicrein  dwelt 
The  traitor  lips  that  utter'd  what  they  felt, 
The  traitor  hearts  that  beat  for  human  right. 
The  traitor  arm  that  dared  to  show  its  might. 
Misguided  thousands  put  their  armor  on. 

With  martial  drum  and  banner  in  the  wind, 
Gatherd  around  the  })owers  at  Washington, 

With  vision'd  spoils  before  and  shame  behind. 
The  vet' ran  Scott,  the  man  of  many  wars. 
Who  bore  his  honors  thickly  as  his  scars, 
Shaped  this  vast  host  and  made  them  fighters  bold. 
Fit  to  slay  rebels — or  to  steal  their  j^old ! 

Proud  Baltimore  !  thou  city  of  the  fair! 
Whose  monuments  arise  in  beauty  rare. 
Thine  was  the  task  to  check  the  onward  flood* 
Of  vaunting  troops,  thirsting  for  Southern  blood. 

*  The  first  blood  of  the  revolution  was  shed  in  Baltimore  on  the  lOth 
April.  The  7th  R(';.Miiicnt  of  Massachusetts,  atlcmptinj;  to  pass  throup;h 
the  city  on  ita  way  U)  Washington  to  answer  the  re(|uisition  of  Presi- 
dent liincoln,  w:ls  assaulted  with  stones  and  other  missiles  by  a  mob. 
The  soldiers  re.^orted  U)  the  use  of  tlieir  firearms,  and  a  ;_'tMierul  fi;xht 
took  place,  in  which  several  were  killed  and  wimndeil  on  both  sides. 
Gov.  Hicks  i.^sucd  a  decree  calling  on  all  good  citizens  to  prci^erve  the 
peace,  and  pron)ising  that  no  more  volunteer  troops  from  the  North 
should  be  allowed  to  pa.s8  over  the  soil  of  Maryland  at  their  peril. 
How  he  kept  his  promise,  time  shewed — it  waa  violated  in  every  uense, 


DESTRUCTION   OF   THE    NAVY   YARD.  1.5 

"Back!"  was  thy  cry,  "back  to  your  Northern  homes, 
Lo !  from  the  South  the  cry  of  warning  comes ; 
We  '11  greet  ye  with  the  bayonet  and  ball, 
A  grave  upon  the  spot  where  you  may  fall." 
From  dwelling-house,  from  shop,  from  social  board, 
The  people  rusli'd  to  meet  tli'  invading  horde ; 
And  many  a  heart  will  mourn  that  fearful  day, 
And  many  a  tongue  recount  the  bloody  fray. 

Now  turn  we  to  a  scene  terrifically  grand, 
A  work  inglorious,  wrought  by  flaming  brand. 
'T  was  midnight,  and  the  quiet  stars  look'd  doAvn 
Upon  the  wavy  deep — the  field — the  town; 
Nature  was  hush'd — the  city  seem'd  to  sleep. 
While  silence  brooded  o'er  the  sparkling  deep. 
Hark !  there's  a  sudden  boom — the  night  air  quakes, 
The  sleeper,  wondering  on  his  couch,  awakes. 

and  so  exasperated  the  citizens  that  in  their  rage  they  destroyed  four 
bridges  on  the  Phihidelphia  and  Baltimore  Railroad  in  order  to  prevent 
the  passage  of  Northern  troops.  Fort  IMcIIenry  was  besieged  by  the 
Marylanders.  Gen.  8cott  appointed  Gen.  Patterson  commander  of  the 
District  of  Columbia  military,  while  Baltimore  voted  S''iOO,0(!0  for  the 
defence  of  the  city.  At  length  the  citizens  seized  upon  all  the  arms 
within  their  reach,  firmly  determined  to  keep  the  Federal  troops  at  bay. 
The  military  was  completely  organized  and  drilled,  being  under  the 
command  of  Gen.  Trimble.  At  this  point  the  treachery  of  Governor 
Hicks  became  apparent.  He  issued  a  proclamation  recommending  that 
the  State  occup}-  a  neutral  position ;  and  this,  too,  in  the  face  of  the 
fact  that  Federal  forces  occupied  Annapolis,  the  capital  of  the  State, 
and  were  stroVigly  posted  at  the  Junction  of  the  Washington  and 
Annapolis  Railroads.  He  knew  the  serpent  was  slowly,  but  surely, 
twining  itself  around  his  native  State,  so  that  no  power,  but  determined 
patriotism,  could  release  her  from  its  poisonous  coils.  In  vain  the 
stout-hearted  sons  of  chivalry  grasped  their  weapons  of  death — their 
enemies  were  allowed  to  crawl  in  among  them  stealthily,  until  Mary- 
'  land  was  doomed  to  worse  than  slavery. 


10  DESTRUCTION    (tF    THE    NAVV    YAKD. 

A  streak  of  flame  from  Gosport  flashes  high,* 
And  darts  its  serpent-tongue  along  the  sky : 
The  yard  's  on  fire  !  the  Pennsylvania  burns, 
Her  heated  guns  spit  forth  their  flame  by  turns  ; 
While  crackling  ribs  of  mighty  ships  consume, 
Five  gallant  frigates  seek  a  watery  tomb. 
Roaring  like  angry  dragons,  spread  the  flames. 
Devouring  buildings,  docks  and  vessel-frames, 
'Till  Desolation  laughs — then  all  is  o'er. 
While  Sorrow  sighs  and  mutters — this  is  war! 
But  what  cares  man  when  passion  has  its  sway? 
Millions  of  wealth  are  madly  thrown  away ; 

*  On  the  10th  of  April  the  powder  magazine  at  Norfolk  was  seized  by 
order  of  Gen.  Talliaferro.  It  contained  ;>,2UU  barrels  of  gunpowder, 
a  large  quantity  of  loaded  shells,  and  immense  numbers  of  shrapnel, 
shot  and  percussion  caps.  On  the  2Uth  a  wanton  destruction  of  Gov- 
ernment property  was  perpetrated  'by  the  hirelings  of  Lincoln.  The 
Navy  Yard  at  Gosport  had  been  watched  by  \'irginia  troops;  this 
(juiird  of  honor  did  not  exactly  suit  Com.  MaoauK-y's  ideas  of  propriety, 
80  he  immortalized  his  name  by  an  act  of  vandalism  scarcely  equaled 
in  the  records  of  history.  Quietly  the  frigates  Germantown  and  Mer- 
rimac  were  scuttled — the  heavy  shears  on  the  wliarf  at  which  the 
former  was  laying  were  cut  away  and  allowed  to  fall  mid-ships  across 
her  deck.s,  carrying  away  the  main  topmasts  and  yards.  All  the  side 
and  small  arn)s  were  thrown  overboard  with  other  property.  About 
midnight,  al'ter  two  or  three  slight  explosions,  the  light  of  a  serious 
conflagration  was  ob.>^erved  at  the  Yard.  This  continued  to  increase, 
and  before  daylight  the  demon-work  ol"  destruction  was  extended  to  the 
immense  ship-houses,  formerly  containing  the  entire  frame  of  the  New 
York  74,  and  also  the  low  ranges  of  two  story  olhces  and  stores  on  each 
side  of  the  main  gate  of  the  yard.  The  Southwest  wind  blew  the  flames 
directly  towards  the  line  of  vessels  moored  on  the  edge  of  the  chan- 
nel, and  nearly  all  these,  too,  were  speedily  enveloped  m  flames.  The 
huge  line-ol-battle  ship  I'cnnsylvania  also  became  a  prey  to  the  devour- 
ing element,  and  while  burning,  her  heavy  guns  beldu'd  out  and  threw 
their  shot  upon  the  yard,  thus  completing  the  destruction.  The  Cum- 
berland and  I'awnce  (the  latter  kept  under  steam)  escaped.  The  vessels 
destroyed  were  the  reun.sylvania,  Merrimac,  llaritan,  Columbia,  Dol- 
phin, (Jermantown  and  Plymouth.  * 


THE    MARTYR   JACKSON.         *  17 

The  toil  of  years  is  nought,  when  policy 
Demands  the  act — no  matter  what  it  be. 
Philanthropy — the  word 's  not  known  in  war, 

It  shrinks  with  Mercy  iato  silent  groves ; 
While  headlong  Devastation  mounts  his  car, 

Drives  o'er  the  land  and  crushes  what  man  loves. 

In  time  to  come,  when  Peace  again  shall  smile. 

The  lisping  child  may  ask  whose  sturdy  arm 
First  fell'd  a  foeman  on  Virginia's  soil 

And  died  a  martj'r  in  the  opening  storm  ? 
'Twas  Jackson — he  who  shot  young  Ellsworth  down, 
And  then  was  slain,  all  covered  with  renown ; 
A  valiant  man  was  he — a  patriot  bold, 
No  suppliant  knee  he  bent,  no  pow'r  of  gold 
Could  buy  him  o'er,  no  threats  could  make  him  quail, 
When  he  resolved  he  did  not  dream  of  fail ! 

When  Alexandria's  streets  rang  with  the  yells. 
Of  armed  foes — -as  if  a  thousand  hells 
Had  oped  their  gates  and  let  their  devils  run, 
The  Southern  flag  stream'd  brightly  in  the  sun 
Above  his  house.     He  'd  sworn  that  he  should  pay 
The  forfeit  of  his  life,  who  tore  't  away. 
The  daring  Ellsworth,  with  his  Zouave  band, 
Climb'd  to  the  roof  and  with  unflinching  hand, 
Tore  down  the  "rebel"  ensign,  trampled  on 
The  glorious  bars,  and  claim'd  the  trophy  won. 

Fhish'd  with  his  vict'ry — burden'd  with  his  prize, 
He  stbod  before  the  madden'd  patriot's  eyes ; 
Quicker  than  thought  a  bullet  made  its  path, 
And  Ellsworth  fell  beneath  the  hero's  wrath. 

0' 

3 


^ 


18  .  YORKTOWN. 

A  moment — and  a  score  of  bullets  flew, 
Felling  the  patriot,  bayonets  pierced  him  through. 
His  gallant  soul  departed  with  ;i  s'il^Ii. 
Scorn  on  his  lips,  defiance  in  his  eye. 

Thus  fell  brave  Jackson  ;  many  as  brave  a  man 
Has  since  that  day  fall'n  in  the  l)attle's  van ; 
Many  a  youth,  whose  thirsting  spirit  drank 
At  Glory's  fount  in  conflict's  foremost  rank'. 
Thousands  etill  live  whose  dying  shout  will  be 
"Our  homes  all  ruins — or  our  country  free ! " 

At  classic  Yorktown — now  a  barren  plain, 

A  canvass  city  rose,  and  breastworks  }x)ld; 
'And  oft  the  bugle's  soft  and  silvery  strain 

Woke  the  young  echo  in  its  rocky  hold. 
The  stream  stole  past  and  dallied  with  the  moon, 

While  music  crept  along  its  stilly  breast ; 
The  soldier  shelter  d  from  the  heat  of  noon, 

Lounged  on  the  grass  and  courted  gentle  rest. 
The  camp  fire  blazed,  the  ample  kettle  swung 
On  two  cross  poles,  all  dark  and  sooty  hung, 
While  jovially  the  cook  sang  out  his  lay. 
The  song  of  Dixie  Land,  so  far  ow^iy. 
The  inner  picket  paced  his  trodden  post 
With  arms  at  case  and  in  deep  rev'ry  lost ; 
His  visor  down  upon  his  sun-burnt  brow, 
His  bay'net  glitt'ring  in  the  sun's  bright  glow. 

Far  off  the  outer  guard  his  vigil  kept 
With  ear  awake  each  sound  to  intercept ; 
With  eye  that  watch'd  the  motion  of  each  limb 
Of  undergrowth  in  the  far  distance  dim. 


SONG  OF   THE   MOUNTED   RANGERS.  19 

'Neath  an  old  elm,  whose  giant  arms  spread  o'er 

A  pleasant  lawn  of  long  and  wavy  grass, 
Loung'd  officers,  attached  to  various  corps, 

Some  puffing  smoke,  some  passing  round  the  glass. 
The  tale — the  toast — the  song  of  Vive  Vamour, 
The  repartee — the  laugh — the  jocund  roar, 
Told  of  glad  hearts,  tho'  danger  lurk'd  hard  by, 
Hearts  that  would  bound  at  battle's  stirring  cry. 
"A  song !  a  song !  to  while  the  hour  away. 
And  nerve  our  sinews  for  another  fray." 


SONG  OF  THE  MOUNTED  RANGERS. 

The  ball 's  in  the  tube  and  the  carbine  is  slung. 
The  voice  of  our  bugle  has  merrily  rung ; 
And,  champing  the  bit,  each  steed  paws  the  ground. 
As  he  hears  the  last  note  of  that  shrill  bu2;le  sound. 

To  saddle !  to  saddle  !  then — up,  boys,  away ! 

Ere  the  last  star  fades  out  in  the  dawn  of  the  day. 

Now,  hear  ye  that  crack  ?  lo,  the  pickets  are  near, 
The  crags  give  the  echo  to  bugle  and  cheer; 
But  little  we  heed,  while  yet  we've  a  shot. 
And  a  knife  to  strike  home  when  the  struggle  is  hot. 
Spur   onward !  spur  onward !  then — charge,  boys, 


away! 


We  are  in  for  a  brush  at  the  dawn  of  the  day. 

We  tramp  o'er  the  plain,  we  speed  thro'  the  glen* 
Our  steeds  are  the  fleetest  and  stalwart  our  men ; 


20  SONG    OF   THE    MARVLANI)    LINE. 

The  wheat-stack  we  fire  and  shoot  by  the  Hanie 
The  Hessians  who  tarnish  humanity's  name. 

Upon  them  !  upon  them !  then — charge,  boys,  away  ! 

Some  blood  will  be  spilt  ere  the  high  noon  of  day. 

Bethink  ye — oin-  daughters,  our  sisters,  our  wnves. 
In  the  grasp  of  the  foenian  beneath  their  red  knives ; 
Bethink  ye — and  on.  while  the  life  blood  is  warm, 
And  stern  vengeance  nerves  the  true  Southerner's  arm. 

No  quarters !  no  quarters !  then — on,  boys,  away  ! 

There  w  ill  Ijc  a  death  howl  ere  the  closing  of  day. 

Up  rose  a  son  of  groaning  Maryland, 
His  canteen  fill'd  with  native  "  contraband  ;  " 
Curling  his  moustache — throwing  back  his  hair', 
He  sung  his  wild  refrain  with  martial  air. 

SONG  OF  THE  MARYLAND  LINE. 

We  're  the  boys  so  gay  and  happy, 
Wheresoe'er  we  chance  to  be,    . 
If  at  home  or  on  camp  duty. 

It  is  the  same — we  're  always  free ! 
So  let  the  guns  roar  as  they  will, 
We  '11  be  gay  and  happy  still ; 
Gay  and  hapjiy — gay  and  happy, 
We'll  be  gay  and  happy  still. 

We  've  left  our  homes  and  those  we  cherish 

In  our  good  old  Maryland, 
Rather  than  wear  chains,  we  '11  perish, 

Side  by  side  and  hand  in  hand. 
So  let  the  guns,  etc. 


BATTLE   OF   BETHEL.  21 

Old  Virginia  needs  assistance, 

Northern  hosts  invade  her  soil ; 
We  '11  present  a  firm  resistance, 

Courting- danger,  fire  and  toil. 
So  let  the  guns,  etc. 

Then  let  the  drums  and  muskets  rattle, 

Fearless  as  our  sires  of  yore. 
We  '11  not  leave  the  field  of  battle 

'Till  we  've  redeem'd  old  Baltimore. 
So  let  the  guns,  etc.  . 

Happy  that  band,  while  lolling  on  the  ground, 
The  jocund  tale  and  merry  laugh  went  round ; 
Stories  of  home,'  of  fair  ones  left  behind, 
Of  mothers  tender,  fathers  stern,  vet  kind ; 
When  the  drum  beat,  and  soon  in  bright  array, 
Th^  martial'd  host  their  polish'd  arms  display. 
To  Bethel  Church — tli'  advanced  post  of  the  works,* 
Within  its  range  the  bold  invader  lurks. 

Onward  they  march'd,  and,  when  they  roach'd  the 
ground, 
They  threw  up  earthworks,  fell'd  the  trees  around, 

*  The  battle  of  Bethel  (or  Big  Bethel  Church,  as  some  have  it,) 
Was  the  initiatory  field  fight  of  the  war.  It  was  fought  on  the  10th 
day  of  June,  at  the  place  named,  on  the  line  between  Elizabeth  City 
and  York  Counties,  ^'a.  The  Confederate  forces,  numbering  between 
1,H00  and  2,00t'  men,  were  under  the  command  of  Col.  J.  B.  3Iagruder 
(since  promoted  to  Brigadier  (leneral),  an  accompli.shed  i<oldier,  late 
of  the  United  SUites  Army.  The  place  is  six  miles  from  Newport 
News,  sixteen  from  Yorktown,  and  eight  from  Hampton. 

After  several  skirmishes,  by  way  of  prelude,  commenced  the  pitched 
battle.     The  details  of  the  Southern  and  Northern  journals  were  very 


i 


22  BATTLE   OF   BETHEL. 

Planted  their  guns,  fill'd  pits  with  riflemen 
Commanding  road  and  field  and  miry  fen  ; 
While  Howitzers  their  brazen  war-dogs  placed 
To  watch  the  path  the  Yankee  foot  disgraced. 

Magruder  .stood  and  watch'd  th' advancing  foe 
Whoso  Hashing  bay'ncts  lilld  the  pass  below; 
With  clashing  steel  and  polish'd  tube  they  come, 
With  waving  flag  and  beat  of  hollow  drum. 
''  Down,  down,"  he  cried,  "  lay  low,  my  gallant  lx)ys, 
And  when  their  front  around  that  clump  deploys, 
Thei>  give  it  them."     Each  hammer  then  went  click  ! 
The  men  so  still — they  scarcely  secm'd  to  think ; 
Silence  was  eloquent — the  bird  of  prey 
Look'd  mutely  on,  and  soar  d  far,  for  away. 

The  gallant  Stuart  on  the  breastwork  stood 

And  mark'd  the  Zouaves  struggling  thro'  the  wood ; 

They  leap'd  the  fence — crawl'd  onward  thro'  the  brush, 

Like  stealthy  cats,  then  made  a  frantic  rush ; 

*'  Fire  !  "  he  scream'd ;  the  Life  Guard  blaz'd  away. 

And  miiiiy  a  widow  mourn'd  that  bloody  day. 

conflicting; — though  the  latter  acknowlcil;;ed  a  severe  defeat  and  heavy 
Kljui^'hter  of  their  troops.  At  "  Little  lictliel  "  the  Federals  whipped 
tlicinselves  in  this  manner:  A  Geruinn  roirinient,  niistakin;:  the  signal, 
fired  on  (lolonol  Townscnd's  column,  marching  in  closo  order,  who 
returned  the  fire.  Townsend's  fire  was  harmle.-v",  hut  the  (Jcrmans' 
killed  one  and  wounded  two.  Duryea's  Zouaves  hearinij  the  firing, 
fired  upon  the  Alhaniaiis  (Townsend's).  In  all  fire  were  killed  and 
quite  a  numhor  wounded. 

The  battle  was  fierce  ;  the  enemy's  force  exceeded  4,000,  and,  strange 
to  say,  our  loss  was  only  one  man,  with  two  wounded,  while  that  of  the 
Federals  amounted  to  hundreds.  In  this  fight  fols.  .Ma;:rud(!r  and  Hill 
signalized  themselves,  as  also  did  the  brave  North  Carolina  volunteers 
and  the  Kiehmond  Howitzers.  The  fight  was  carried  on  altogether 
by  Virginians  and  North  Carolinians.  A  Louisiana  regiment  arrived 
from  Yorktown  too  late  to  participate. 


VIENNA.  23 

The  howitz  spoke  at  Randolph's  loud  command, 
Mowing  down  ranks  and  tearing  up  the  land ; 
While  bursting  shells  threw  devastation  round, 
And  scatter'd  mangled  limbs  along  the  ground. 

Men  of  the  brave  old  North  State  !     Wh(jre  are  they  ? 
Look  to  the  left  where  wildly-  swells  the  fray ; 
The  cool  and  fearless  Hill  is  there ;  his  sword 
Given  to  Death — his  silent  prayer  to  God. 
Volley  on  voile}' — rifles  true — carbines — 
And  quick  revolver  rake  the  staggering  line : 
They  break — th.ey  fly — the  cavahy  pursue, 
And  slaughter,  as  they  go,  the  vanquish'd  crew. 

Vict'ry  now  pla3^'d  around  the  Southern  flag. 

With  dazzling  wings  she  fann'd  its  stars  and  bars; 
Her  cheering  cry  was  heard  on  mountain  crag, 

And  echo'd  in  the  vales  with  loud  huzzas. 
The  beardless  stripling  panted  for  a  fight. 
While  tottering  age  with  locks  of  snowy  white, 
Sigh'd  for  youth's  vigor — feebly  rais'd  his  crutch 
In  mimic  fight  with  Yankee,  Irish,  Dutch. 

In  Kansas,  Kelley  met  th'  encroaching  foe,* 
And,  with  his  State  troops,  laid  their  stoutest  low; 
While  at  Vienna,  Gregg  the  foemen  check'd, 
Statter'd  their  men — their  cars  and  baggage  wreck'd.  f 

*  On  the  17th  June  the  battle  of  Kansas  City  took  place.  1,300 
Federal  troops  made  an  attack  upon  about  the  same  numl^er  of  State 
troops  under  the  command  of  Capt.  Kollcj.  After  a  desperate  fight 
the  Federals,  were  repulsed,  leaving  2U0  killed  on  the  field  of  battle, 
l.")0  yirisoners,  four  pieces  of  cannon,  &c.  Loss  of  the  State  troops  45 
killed  and  wounded. 

■j"Un  the  17th  of  June  a  severe  affair  took  place  at  Vienna,  about 
fifteen  miles  from  Alexandria,  between  Col.  McCook's  Ist  Ohio   regi- 


i 


2i  ROMNEY. 

At  New  Creek,  too,  Vaughan,  with  Virginia's  sons  * 
Caused  them  to  fly  Ixjfore  our  Southern  guns. 
Near  Romney,  A.shby  with  a  meagre  bandj- 
Of  rourteen  men  fought  Ijravel}-  hand  to  hand 
With  fifty  Hessians — thrash'd  the  thieving  squad, 

Leaving  eighteen  to  bite  the  valley  sod. 

_ 
ment  and  other  troops  under  Gen.  Schenck,  and  a  detacbmcnt  of  Con- 
federate Artillery,  supported  by  a  South  Carolina  regiment  under  Col. 

Gre-g.  * 

According  to  accounts,  Col.  G.  received  orders  to  go  on  a  recon- 
noitcring  expedition.  He  took  with  him  GOO  South  Carolinians,  a 
company  of  Kemper's  Artillery  and  two  companies  of  cavalry,  inelud- 
ing  45  of  Capt.  IJall's  Chester  company,  and  Oapt.  Terry's  company,  of 
liedford.  After  ascertaining  the  position  and  number  of  the  enemy, 
who  were  encamped  on  the  Maryland  side,  he  formed  his  command  into 
column  at  Dranesville,  and  marched  down  the  road  to  Vienna.  Here 
he  remained  only  long  enough  to  tear  up  the  track  of  the  Alexandria, 
Loudon  and  Ifampshire  Railroad  and  destroy  the  water-tank,  after  which 
he  started  to  return  to  l>ranc.sville.  The  troops  had  proceeded  about 
half  a  mile,  when  the  whistle  of  a  locomotive  was  heard  in  the  dis- 
tance;  whereupon  he  immediately  halted,  wheeled  his  column  and 
marched  rapidly  back  to  Vienna.  They  had  scarcely  time  to  place  two 
cannon  in  position,  when  the  train  of  cars  came  slowly  around  a  curvii, 
pushed  by  a  locomotive.     They  were  crowded  with  armed  nun. 

.Just  as  the  train  was  about  to  stop,  the  artillery  tired  a  well  directed 
shot  from  one  of  the  guns,  which  raked  the  cars  fore  and  aft.  Con- 
sternation and  dismay  seized  the  Federals,  and,  aUcr  another  fire,  they 
hastily  left  tin-  ears  and  took  to  the  woods.  The  entire  train  was  cap- 
tured. Six  of  the  invaders  were  killed — they  were  compo.sed  of  regu- 
lars and  .Michigan  volunteers.  The  National  Intelligencer  reported 
the  killed  and  wounded  of  the  Federals  in  this  afl'air  at  200. 

*  On  the  morning  of  the  HUh  June,  an  engagement  took  place  at 
New  Creek  Dep(jt,  eighteen  miles  west  of  Cumberland,  on  the  IJalti- 
niore  and  Ohio  Railroad,  between  a  body  of  Tennesseeans  and  Virgin- 
ians, under  Col.  Vaughan,  and  about  U^U  of  the  enemy,  who  fired  a  few 
randoiu  shots,  and  then  broke  and  fled.  Our  troops  captured  two  guns 
and  a  stand  of  colors. 

f  This  affair  is  thus  dct^iiled.  As  Ca]»t.  Ashby  with  his  brother  were 
proceeding  along  a  road  with  14  men  of  their  troop,  they  were  accosted 
by  a  man  who  rei»resented  himself  as  a  deserter,  and  professed  a  will- 
ingness to  conduct  the  squad  to  a  position  where  they  could  take  some 


COL.    ZARVONA.  25. 

Then  brave  Zarvona,,  with  his  comrades  plann'd  * 
A  wild  exploit  whicli  startled  all  the  land. 
He  seized  the  proud  St.  Nicholas,  and  bore 
His  la^en  prize  towa.rd  Virginia's  shore ; 


prisoners.  The  offer  was  accepted,  the  men  proceeding  on  under  the 
guidance  of  the  deserter,  i.ill  they  arrived  at  a  point  in  the  road  where 
the  squad  was  divided,  ea3h  half  taking  different  courses. 

Very  shortly  thereafter  the  deserter  led  them  into  a  place  where  they 
were  surrounded  by  fifty  of  the  enemy,  who  called  on  them  to  surren- 
der. This  demand  was  replied  to  by  a  discharge  of  fire-arms,  which 
was  answered  by  the  Hes5ians.  In  a  short  time  the  remainder  of  the 
squad  rejoined  their  comrades,  and  united  their  exertions  in  repelling 
the  enemy.  Tn  this  they  were  successful,  eighteen  of  the  Hessians 
having  been  killed.  Two  of  Ashby's  men  were  killed,  and  a  number 
wounded.  Capt.  Ashby  received  four  wounds,  and  his  horse  fell  dead 
as  he  was  leaving  the  field  which  the  enemy  ran  from,  and  escaped 
across  a  small  river  to  evade  pursuit.  The  brother,  Capt.  Dick  Ashby, 
was  fatally  wounded.  T  irner  Ashby  was  afterwards  promoted  to  a 
Colonelcy,  and  fell  nobly  :n  the  cause  of  the  Southern  Confederacy. 

*  On  the  30th  June,  a  brilliant  and  romantic  achievement  took  place 
on  the  waters  of  the  Potomac,  which  resulted  in  the  capture  of  the 
steamer  St.  Nicholas,  a  brig  and  two  schooners,  the  brig  was  laden 
with  a  valuable  cargo  of  coffee,  and  the  schooners  one  with  ice  and  the 
other  with  coal.  Col.  li.  Thomas  (known  also  as  Col.  Zurvona),  of 
Maryland,  was  the  hero  of  this  affair.  Disguised  as  an  old  French  lady, 
who  could  not  speak  a  vord  of  English,  he  took  passage  on  the  St. 
Nicholas,  at  Baltimore,  for'Washington.  After  getting  down  into  the 
bay  he  threw  off  his  disguise,  and,  with  the  cooperation  of  his  men, 
who  shipped  as  New  York  Zouaves,  took  the  steamer.  He  was  joined 
by  Capt.  Hollins,  of  the  Confederate  Navy,  at  Point  Lookout,  who  par- 
ticipated in  the  capture  oi'  the  other  vessels.  The  other  officers  associ- 
ated with  Zarvona  in  the  achievement  were  Lieut.  Geo.  W.  Alexander, 
Adjutant,  and  Lieut.  F.  Gibson.  These  three  headed  the  boarding 
pities  in  the  captures.  The  steamer,  after  being  placed  in  the  hands 
of  Capt.  Hollins,  who  was  assisted  by  Licuts.  Sims  and  Minor,  of  the 
C  S.  N.,  and  Lieut.  Thorburn,  of  the  Virginia  Navy,  with  fifteen  sail- 
ors from  the  steamer  Yoritown,  captured  the  brig  and  schooners,  aud 
proceeded  to  Fredericksburg.  The  value  of  the  cargoes  was  estimated 
at  8.375,000. 

Subsequently,  however,  he  (Zarvona)  had  the  temerity  to  visit  Balti- 
more, much  against  the  tdvice  of  his  friends.  As  was  feared,  spies 
were  watching  his  movements,  and  he  was  captured  and  imprisoned,  not 
being  allowed  the  privilege  of  exchange. 


26  MARTINSBURG. 

Three  other  barks,  fiU'd  well  with  merchandize. 
He  broudit  in  safe — a  truly  welcome  j3rize. 
Near  Martinsburg  again  the  foe  was  met,* 
By  gallant  Jackson,  who  his  front  beset 
With  leaden  hail,  and  many  a  wretch  that  day 
Cold  on  the  soil  of  old  Virginia  lay. 

Our  little  navy,  albeit,  laurels  won,f 
Dis])uted  every  wave  they  floated  on. 
And  spoke  in  tones  of  thunder  to  the  foe, 
"These  seas  are  ours — no  further  shalt  thou  go!" 

Now  let  fair  Freedom  don  her  sable  weeds 

Andmourn  the  gallant  Dreux,  who  nobly  fell  J 

With  clustering  honors,  won  by  daring  deeds, 
Shielding  the  noble  cause  he  lov'd  so  well. 

*  On  July  4th  tHe  Yankees,  numbering  about  10,000,  while  approach- 
ing Martinsburg,  were  met  by  Col.  Jackson's  advance,  consisting  of  a 
portion  of  Col.  Harper's  regiment  from  Augusta  County,  about  700 
strong,  and  a  squadron  of  cavalry  under  Col.  Stewart.  A  sharp  fire 
Mfixa  kept  ujrby  the  main  bodies  for  an  hour,  and  a  half,  with  a  loss  to 
the  enemy  estimated  at  the  minimum  at  07  killed,  S')  wounded  and  53 
prisoners — three  killed  on  our  side  and  five  wounded.  When  the  firing 
ceased,  Col.  Jackson  fell  back  to  a  more  secure  position. 

■f"  The  Fc'(leral  steamer  Ma.'<sachu.<setts,  belonging  to  the  blockading 
squadron  off  the  coast  of  Louisiana,  had  captured  in  Missi.><sippi  Sound 
four  small  schooners  belonging  to  the  Southerners,  and  bore  them  off 
as  prizes.  A  body  of  Floridians,  under  yommand  of  Maj.  Widsmittj, 
armed  the  small  steamer  Madi.son  with  two  light  guns,  and,  while  the 
Ma.ssachusetts  and  her  prizes  were  becalmed  off  the  coast,  bore  down 
upon  one  of  them,  the  Fanny,  captured  her  and  the  commanding 
Lieutenant,  Selden,  with  the  prize  crew.  The  oth^r schooners  were  also 
taken  possession  of  and  carried  into  Suwanee. 

t  Col.  Dreux,  of  Louisiana,  fell  in  a  skirmish  on  the  Peninsula  6th 
July.     He  was  killed  by  a  fire  from  an  ambuscade. 


PHILLIPPI.  27 

At  Phillippi  a  gallant  Georgian  band,* 

Led  on  by  Ramsey,  took  a  fearless  stand ; 

Foiled  thrice  their  numbers,  captured  all  their  camp, 

And  made  the  boasters  take  the  backward  tramp. 

With  banners  streaming,  seven  thousand  strong 

Came  rushing  on  in  columns  dense  and  long; 

*  On  the  10th  July  an  engagement  took  place  between  the  advanced 
guards  or  scouts,  of  Gens.  Garnett's  and  McClellan's  armies,  near 
Phillippi,  Barbour  Co.,  Va.  The  first  Georgia  regiment,  Col.  Ramsey, 
encountered  three  regiments  of  the  enemy,  in  which  conflict  the  Fede- 
rals were  routed.  The  Georgians  took  a  number  of  prisoners  and  all 
the  camp  equipage  of  the  enemy.  The  Confederate  loss  was  but  two, 
■while  that  of  the  Federals  was  about  sixty. 

This  apparently  small  affair  brought  on  the  battles  of  Rich  Moun- 
tain and  Laurel  Hill.  The  main  army  of  the  enemy  advanced  from 
Phillippi,  and  took  up  a  position  on  the  hill  about  half  a  mile  from  the 
Confederate  post,  which  was,  however,  obstructed  from  view  of  the 
latter  by  a  still  higher  hill  directly  between  the  opposing  forces. 

On  hearing  of  their  advance,  our  General  checked  them  by  taking 
possession  of  the  hill  on  the  left  of  them,  and  about  daybreak  the  two 
forces  commenced  operations.  The  fight  continued  all  day  and  part  of 
the  night  with  little  or  no  result  except  the  loss  of  many  lives.  During 
the  night  our  forces  retired  from  the  field  with  the  hope  of  inducing 
the  enemy  to  follow  so  as  to  get  them  within  range  of  our  guns. 

The  brave  stand  made  by  our  troops  kept  the  invaders  at  bay  for 
some  time,  but  there  was  a  reverse  of  fate  in  the  conflict  which  took 
place  the  next  day,  the  11th, 'at  Rich  Mountain.  A  detachment  under 
command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Pegram,  which  numbered  only  three  compa- 
nies, was  employed  in  raising  earthworks  on  the  mountain  slope.  This 
small  force  succeeded  in  keeping  in  check,  for  some  time,  several 
thousand  Federal  troops,  and  although  sorely  pressed,  not  more  than  40 
were  killed.  The  gallant  Pegram  was  severely  wounded  and  taken 
prisoner.  Many  of  the  men  in  his  command,  who  were  believed  to  be 
either  killed  or  taken  prisoners,  afterwards  reached  Gen.  Garnett's 
camp.  Col.  Pegram's  entire  command  consisted  of  about  1,000,  which 
were  in  three  divisions,  two  ol  which  were  commanded  by  Cols.  Heck 
and  Scott.  The  Federal  troops,  through  the  aid  of  a  Union  traitor, 
managed  to  cut  off  Pegram  from  succor  from  either  party;  they  heard 
the  roar  of  battle,  but  had  received  no  orders  to  move.  Scott, 
when  he  saw  no  chance  of  succoring  Pegram,  ordered  a  retreat,  which 
was  effected  in  good  order  to  Greenbriar  river.  Col.  Heck  made  his  way 
through  the  mountain  passes  and  joined  Garnett's  forces,  which  were  at 
Laurel  Hill.     Nearly  all  of  Capt.  Irvin's  company,  from  Buckingham, 


< 


28  RI''-n    MOUNTAIN. 

McClellan  led  the  proud  invading  host, 
While  Garnett  on  the  hill-slope  took  his  post, 
Cheer'd  his  worn  men  and  bade  them  no*  forget 
Their  peaceful  homes  by  hireling  btinds  beset. 

Upon  Rich  Mountain  noble  Pegnim  stood 
Behind  his  new-made  works  of  earth  and  wood; 
The  Fed'rals  charged — the  Spartan  band  gave  way, 
Their  leader  fell  the  foremost  in  the  fray. 
Then  turned  the  tide  of  fight  to  Laurel  Hill, 
Where  Garnett's  forces  stood  like  statues  still; 
Four  times  their  number  press'd  upon  their  flanks, 
And  ever>'  volley  thinn'd  their  pent-up  ranks. 
Their  luckless  chief  with  firmness  stood  the  shock. 
Which  surging  came,  like  waves  against  a  rock ; 
''  Be  firm,  my  boys,  aim  low,"  brave  Garnett  cried — 
A  ball  sped  thro'  the  air — he  fell  and  died ! 


were  killed,  together  with  all  the  officers,  witli  the  exception  of  Lieut. 
Colonel  Bondurant.  The  Southern  loss  was  1^  killed  and  about  as 
many  woumled.     The  Federal  loss  was  11  ki  led  and  35  wounded. 

Gen.  (larnc'tt,  on  learning  of  the  engagcn  ont,  left  his  entrenched 
camp  at  Huttonville  with  the  main  hody.of  his  army,  leaving  what  is 
supposed  to  be  but  a  camp  guard  there,  lie  advanced  to  succor 
Pegram.  and  had  arrived  within  three  miles  tf  Beverly,  when  he  was 
met  by  Pegram's  flying  forces,  who  were  foremost  in  the  retreat.  As 
they  rushed  in  among  (Jarnett's  troops,  they  created  a  panic  which 
made  the  (Jeneral  unable  to  control  them  j  he  retreated  accordingly  in 
the  direction  ol  St.  (leorge's. 

McClellan  lollowed  up  his  imniense  conquest  of  a  handful  of  Spar- 
tans, and  marched  towards  Ik'verly,  eneountcring  (Jen.  (larnett,  with 
the  main  body  of  Conlederates,  at  Laurel  Lill.  The  overwhelming 
nuuil)ers  of  the  invading  army  did  not  deter  the  gallant  Carnett  from 
disputing  his  advance.  He  foimed  in  line  of  battle,  and  poured  a  rak- 
ing tire  into  the  enemy's  ranks,  which  was  promptly  returned.  A 
charge  was  made  upon  his  battery,  which  was  feebly  resisted  by  the 
Confederates.  In  a  short  time  the  line  gave  way,  and  the  brave  Gar- 
nett was  struck  by  a  musket  ball,  and  fell  dead,  while  in  the  act  of 
attempting  to  rally  his  muu. 


BATTLE  OF  BULL  RUN.  29 


,    No  braver  man  than  he — true  to  the  last ; 
♦  A  hero  born — fell'd  by  misfortune's  blast. 

But  hath  the  Muse  no  vict'ry  to  recount, 
No  glorious  deeds  to  cause  the  soul  to  mount? 
Aye — turn  we  now  towards  Manassas  plains,* 
Where  gory  Havoc  all  majestic  reigns ; 
,  Where  shouting  hosts  are  charging  front  to  front, 
And  snorting  war-steeds  court  the  battle's  brunt; 

*  On  the  18th  July  the  grand  affair  of  Manassas  ^opened  with  a  ren- 
contre between  the  advance  guards  of  the  Confederate  army  under 
Gcr^s.  Beauregard  and  Johnston,  and  the  invading  army  under  Gen. 
McDowell.  The  Southern  troops  were  strongly  entrenched  at  iManas- 
sas  Junction,  and  also  had  advanced  batteries  along  the  line  of  Bull 
llun,  about  five  miles  towards  Centrevillc.  The  advance  guard  of  the 
Federals  was  at  the  latter  place  5,000  strong,  our  force  numbering 
about  3,000.  On  the  18th  the  invaders  advanced  towards  Manassas 
Junction,  and  attempted  to  cross  the  fords  at  several  points,  but  were 
repulsed  by  the  Confederate  troops  three  times,  with  a  heavy  Iocs  on 
their  side.  At  about  5  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  they  retreated  in  great 
confusion,  two  of  our  regiments  pursuing  them.  A  large  number  were 
taken  prisoners.     The  casualties  on  the  Confederate  side  were  few. 

The  pursuing  regiments,  finding  a  large  force  at  Fairfax  C.  H.,  after 
exchanging  a  few  shots,  returned  to  Bull  llun,  Gen.  Beauregard  pre- 
ferring to  give  them  battle  there.  The  General  was  hurriedly  sent  for, 
and  quickly  rame  to  the  scene  of  action,  when  he  ordered  a  retreat, 
which  proved  to  be  a  brilliant  strategic  movement.  At  first  the  troops 
murmured,  but  when  they  heafd  that  it  was  Beauregard's  wish,  they 
were  perfectly  satisfied. 

The  regiments  engaged  in  this  brilliant  affair  were  the  First  Virginia, 
Col.  Moore,  the  Seventeenth  (Alexandria),  the  Mississippi  and  the 
Louisiana.  The  enemy  outnumbered  them  in  proportion  of  three  to 
one.  The  Washington  Artillery,  of  New  Orleans,  were  in  the  early 
stage  of  the  action.  Col.  Moore  was  wounded.  •  Capt.  James  K.  Lee 
and  Lieut.  H.  H.  Miles  were  killed.  The  enemy's  lo.ss  about  500 — 
ours  152  killed,  wounded  and  missing.  Two  cannon  and  500  stand  of 
arms  were  taken  from  the  enemy.  • 

This  brilliant  affair  (sometimes  called  the  battle  of  Bull  Run)  was 
the  prelude  to  the  grand  battle,  which  took  place  on  Sunday,  21st,  two 
days  after. 

Full  of  hope  and  emblazoned  with  arrogance,  notwithstanding  his 
numerous  defeats,  Gea.  Scott,  urged,  it  was  said,  by  barking  politicians 


30  BATTLE   OF    MANASSAS. 


Where  Beaurejrard  and  Johnston  lead  our  arms. 
And  guide  the  lightning  of  the  warring  storms; 
Where  Davis  stands  all  fearless  on  the  field, 
Quick  to  command,  as  quick  the  sword  to  wield. 

Record,  0  Muse !  that  wild,  that  fearful  strife,   • 
Where  clashing  host8  with  bayonet  and  knife 
Preyd  on  each  other — spurred  the  fiery  steed, 
And  laugh'd  to  see  their  d^dng  kinsmen  bleed. 
Tell  of  the  havoc  of  Confedemte  guns — 
The  shameful  fiight  of  Northern  myrmidons; 
Tell  of  the  Hash  of  ba3()net  and  sword, 
Tell  of  the  brave,  the  peerless  Beauregard. 

and  editors,  yielded  to  the  cry  of"  Onward  to  Richmond  I"  and  or- 
dered Gen.  McDowell  to  scatter  Beauregard's  forces  to  the  four  winds 
of  heaven.  Months  of  preparation  had  completed  his  "(irand  Army," 
and  placed  them  upon  a  war  footing.  The  word  went  forth  from 
Washington  "Advance!" — and  advance  it  was.  The  night  before  the 
expected  victory,  hosts  of  functionaries,  congressmen,  editors,  reporters 
and  civilians  rushed  to  witness  the  expected  virtori/.  Aye,  even  the 
hidics  so  far  forgot  themselves  as  to  join  the  gay  party,  and  fnist  their 
vision  on  ghastly  corpses,  broken  limbs,  and  the  unnatural  struggle  of 
brother  against  bntther  and  father  against  son.  So  sure  were  the  in- 
vaders of  victory,  that  they  brought  rich  viands,  wines  and  cigars  with 
them  for  a  merry  feast  on  the  field  of  blood  and  carnage  !• 

Gens.  Johiistua  and  I^itter,>*(in  had  for  some  days  previous  been  play- 
ing a  game  of  chess  between  Winchestj^,  which  was  occupied  by  the 
former,  and  Martinsburg,  the  (|uarters  of  the  latter.  l*atterson,  tired 
of  Johnston's  by-play,  made  a  retrograde  towards  the  Potomac,  pmbably 
with  the  intention  of  joining  McI>owell,  though  be  did  nut.  The  v'un- 
ning  Johnston,  s^uspecting  tins,  made  a  forced  march,  ;ind  on  the  even- 
ing of  the  "JOth  wa.s  by  the  side  of  Beauregard,  while  the  I'enn.sylvania 
commander  was — nowhere. 

There  are  numerous  accounts  of  this  severe  conflict — all  of  them 
differ.  Those  of  the  northern  journals,  however  graphic  they  may  be, 
are  tinged  with  that  illibcrality  which,  during  the  entire  war,  charac- 
terized the  Republican  press.  Those  of  the  southern  journals,  were 
carried  away  by  enthusiasm  and  a  warm,  patriotic  desire  to  let  the  world 
know  what  could  be  done  by  men  fighting  for  their  homes  and  those 
they  loved  best. 


BATTLE   OF    MANASSAS.  o^ 

Red  dawn  stole  up  the  cloudless  eastern  sky 

In  lambent  rays;  the  pale  stars  shrunk  away, 
Until  our  eagle  with  unblinking  eye 

Gazed  on  the  glowing  face  of  th'  god  of  day. 
The  mountain  peaks  Avere  bright  with  morning's  beam, 

The  forest  warblers  sang  their  matin  song ; 
And  gladly  sparkled  every  valley  stream, 

Cheering  the  soldier  as  he  march'd  along. 
Far  off  the  foe,  with  steady  tramp,  advanc'd. 

Their  bayonets  glitt'ring  in  the  golden  light ; 
While  round  our  banners  amorous  breezes  danc'd, 

And  brave  men  rallied  for  the  comino;  fie:ht. 
On,  on,  true  hearts  !  a  foe  pollutes  your  soil. 

The  welkin  rings  with  shouts  of  scorn  and  ire; 

President  Davis  was  on  the  field,  and  aided  Beauregard  and  John- 
ston in  their  grand  work. 

History  will  give  the  details  of  this  great  victory  for  the  young  re- 
public— my  limits  will  not  allow  me  to  enter  into  them  ;  the  dispatch 
of  President  Davis  sums  up  all.  "  The  enemy  was  routed,  and  fled 
precipitately,  abandoning  a  very  large  amount  of  arms,  munitions, 
knapsacks  and  baggage.  The  ground  was  strewn  with  those  killed  for 
miles,  and  the  farm  houses  and  grounds  around  were  filled  with  his 
wounded.  The  pursuit  was  continued  along  Several  routes  towards 
Leesburg  and  Centreville,  until  darkness  covered  the  fugitives.  We 
have  captured  several  field  batteries  and  regimental  standards,  and  one 
United  States  flag.  Many  prisoners  have  been  taken.  Too  high  praise 
cannot  be  bestowed,  whether  for  the  skill  of  the  principal  officers  or 
the  gallantry  of  all  the  troops.  The  battle  was  warmly  fought  on  our 
left,  several  miles  from  oui*  field  works ;  our  force  engaged  there  not 
exceeding  fifteen  thousand — that  of  the  enemy  estimated  at  thirty-five 
thousand." 

In  this  severe  battle  the  losses  of  both  sides  were  as  follows : 

Oonfedcrntcs.  Fedirah. 

Killed .398  1,000 

Wounded .'.,..1,200  2,500 

Prisoners .50  1,000 

1,643  4,.500 


^  BATTLE    OF    MANASSAS. 

Crush  the  vile  serpent  in  his  deadly  coil, 

Consume  him  with  a  blast  of  lead  and  fire. 
On  speeds  the  stalwart  Texan — eagle-eyed, 

His  faithful  rifle  takes  its  deadly  poise; 
While  Georgia's  nobles,  charging  side  by  side, 

Shout  their  war-song  above  the  conflict's  noise. 
Wild  on  the  left  the  cr.ash  of  arms  is  heard, 

The  iron  dogs  belch  out  their  streams  of  fire; 
But  Johnston  's  there — he  gives  the  cheering  word,* 

And  shouting  ranks  press  on  with  mighty  ire. 
No  kindly  dews  of  Ileav'n  come  down  to  cool 

The  parched  lip  or  damp  the  burning  head; 
The  sun  looks  down  on  many  a  bloody  .pool, 

Where  prostrate  lies  the  gallant  Southron — dead. 
Virginia — mother — see  thy  dauntless  sons, 

Robed  in  the  smoke  of  booming  cannonry. 
While  whistling  balls  from  Mississippi's  guns 

Reach  hearts  that  throbb'd  to  crush  the  bfave  and  free. 
Then  the  old  line  of  groaning  Maryland, 

With  piercing  cry,  still  writhing  in  their  chains, 
Plunge  in  the  fight  with  reeking  sword  in  hand. 

Strewing  the  foemen's  dead  along  the  plains. 
The  old  North  legions  wake  the  echo's  song, 

The  proud  Palmetto  sign  'mid  dun  clouds  soars; 
While  Alabama's  hosts  rush  fast  along. 

And  struggle  where  the  wildest  tumult  roars. 
Lo !  Louisiana's  sons,  with  brawny  arm. 

Their  brazen  war-dogs  wield;  while  Tennessee 
Rolls  in  her  cohorts — like  a  howling  storm 

Blasting  the  foe  with  lightning  of  the  free. 


BATTLE   OF   MANASSAS.  33 

With  glittering  knife,  the  men  of  Arkansas 

Pkuige  madly  thro'  the  ranks  of  shrieking  foes; 
In  vain  they  plead — their  day  of  triumph 's  o'er, 

And  Vengeance  laughs  above  their  dying  throes. 
That  long,  that  weary  day !  that  day  of  strife  ! 

How  blush' d  the  sun  as  wearily  he  set ! 
He  rose — and  smiled  on  many  a  cherished  life, 

He  sank — and  left  the  field  with  life-tide  wet. 
The  proud  battalions  of  the  Northern  host 

Falter — they  yield,  and  soon  are  scatter'd  wide ; 
Spur  your  fleet  steeds!  or  half  the  vict'ry's  lost, 

And  strew  their  bodies  on  the  highway  side. 
Now  faint  and  fjiinter  hums  the  din  of  war. 

Night  throws  her  veil  around  the  scene  of  blood; 
Tears  sparkle  in  the  blink  of  every  star. 

The  pensive  moon  draws  round  her  misty  hood. 
But  Hist'ry's  page  in  words  of  light  shall  tell 

How  nobly  Southern  patriots  fought  and  bled ; 
The  poet's  harp  a  hjmin  of  praise  shall  swell, 

A  mourning  nation  bless  the  hallow'd  dead. 

Muffle  the  harp  strings,  let  the  requiem  swell. 
Wreathe  laurel  round  the  tombs  of  those  who  fell ; 
Weep  for  the  dead — the  honor'd  dead,  who  stood 
The  fleshwalls  of  their  homes  'mid  fire  and  blood. 
The  dauntless  Bee,  who  charged  the  staggering  foe, 
The  gallant  Fisher,  Thomas  and  Bartow; 
Hale,  Daniel,  Radford — Miles  and  gentle  Lee, 
Dying  to  live  fresh  in  our  memory. 
They  fell  as  heroes  ever  wish  to  fall,  . 
The  turf  their  bier — the  smoke  their  funeral  pall. 


34  BATTLE    OF    CARTHAGE. 

At  Carthage  Seigel's  Hessians  were  assail'd 
By  State  rights  troops,  and  'neath  their  valor  quail'd;* 
Routed  by  Jackson,  ere  McCiilloch's  force 
Could  reach  the  scene,  they  tied  both  man  and  horse, 
Leaving  the  dead  and  wounded  on  the  plain, 
Their  standard  fallen — ^nevcr  to  tioat  again. 
Onward  to  Springfield  sped  the  scatter'd  host, 
With  all  their  stores  and  ammunition  lost. 
Lyon  receiv'd  them — rallied  their  broken  ranks, 
And 'sallied  forth  to  check  McCuUoch's  pranks, 
Who,  with  his  l)order  men,  was  marching  down 
With  fire  and  sword  upon  the  fateil  town. 

With  early  morn  the  sanguine  fight  begun,-|- 
The  heavy  clouds  had  pass'd,  the  golden  sun 
Shone  on  the  hostile  armies  in  array, 
Their  bayonets  glistening  in  the  beams  of  day. 


*  The  State  troops,  under  Gov.  Jackson,  of  Missouri,  met  the  Union 
forces,  under  Col.  Seijrel,  unexpectedly,  at  ahout  eijrht  miles  north  of 
Carthajre.  They  were  2,5UU  strong,  and  having  the  choice  of  ground, 
had  planted  their  cannon  in  the  most  commanding  position.  Gov. 
Jackson  had  about  12,000  men,  of  whom  onlyal)ont  li, 000  were  armed, 
exccjit  with  shot  guns.  He  however  gave  Seigel  battle  for  eight  hours, 
and  linally  routed  him,  capturing  700  prisoners,  four  cannon,  and  a 
great  amount  of  army  supplies,  &.c.  Ben  Mct^ulloch  came  to  .Jackson's 
aid,  but  too  late  for  service  on  that  field.  Following  up  the  foe.  he 
brought  on  the  severe  battle  of  Springtiehl. 

f  The  battle  of  Springfield,  Mo.,  took  ])lacc  on  the  10th  of  August. 
The  Federal  ibrccs,  umler  (icn.  Lyon,  lef^  the  town,  where  they  quar- 
tered, for  the  purpose  of  attacking  the  .^Iis.sourians,  under  (.len.  15en 
Mc(Julloch.  There  were  many  conflicting  accounts  as  to  the  result  of 
thisbattle,  both  in  the  northern  and  .southern  journals.  McCulIoch  calls 
it  ()(ih  Hills  in  his  official  report,  and  says  that  his  efleetive  force  was 
5,;{00  infantiy,  15  pieces  of  artillery,  and  (J. 000  horsemen,  armed  with 
flint-lock  muskets,  rifles  and  shot  gun's.  f!en.  Lyon  attacked  him  on 
the  left,  and  tien.  Seigel  on  the  right.  The  conflict  was  long  and  bloody, 
and  the   Federals  lost  many  of  their  best  officers,  among  them  Gen. 


BATTLE   OF    SPRINGFIELD.  35 

Brave  Lyon  led  the  well-arm'd  Federals  on, 

By  firm  Missouri  troops  the  shock  was  borne, 

A  murd'rous  volley  fired — then  soon  return'd, 

Till  ranks  gave  way,  and  hearts  with  vengeance  burn'd. 

Proud  Lyon  fell — mourn'd  by  his  robber  band, 

The  bravest  Northern  chief — born  to  command. 

Then  chang'd  the  conflict  from  the  right  and  left 
Upon  the  centre,  which  was  quickly  cleft ; 
The  brave  Missourians,  Price's  chosen  boys. 
With  shot-guns,  rifles,  knives  and  other  toys, 
Rush'd  in  pell-mell  with  loud  and  piercing  whoop, 
Back'd  by  the  Louisiana  and  Arkansas  troop. 
The  Union  ranks  give  way — the}^  yield — they  fly, 
The  Patriot  cause  gains  one  more  victory  ! 
But,  oh  !  how  dearly  won.     Brave  Weightman  fell, 
And  Hinson,  Alexander,  Brown  and  Bell, 
Walton  and  Weaver — brave,  unflinching  men, 
Honor'd  in  song  and  named  by  History's  pen. 

Relentless  War !  cannot  thy  fearful  rage 

Be  pent  in  battle  field  »)r  on  the  deep? 
Why  on  the  innocent  thine  anger  wage. 

Leaving  the  old  and  3'oung  to  wail  and  weep. 
Let  man  meet  man  with  weapon  sharp  and  keen, 

Grapple  for  life  upon  the  warlike  plain; 

. — . • — _ — . — _ . . — ■ 

Lyon,  who  fell  early  in  the  day.  The  Confederates  also  met  with  se- 
vere loss  among  their  officers.  Gens.  Slack  and  Clarke  were  severely 
wounded,  Gen.  Price  slightly.  Col.  Weightman  was  killed,  also  Lt. 
Col.  Austin,  Col.  B.  J.  Brown,  Capts.  Bl'ickwood,  Knyard,  and  Jjicut. 
HuL'lics.  It  was  a  ^'reat  victory  of  the  troops  of  Missouri  and  Arkan- 
sas, who  took  400  prisoners,  several  stand  of  colors,  and  a  large  quantity 
of  good  arms.     Our  killed  amounted  to  205,  wounded  800,  missing  30. 


36  HAMITOX. 

The  quiet  home  should  never  be  the  scene 

Of  deadly  strife — there  Peace  should  ever  reign. 
Hampton,  thou  fairest  village  of  the  shore  !  * 
Where  old  elms  cast  their  shadows  on  each  door. 
Where  quiet  reign'd,  ere  War's  shrill  (;larion  rung, 
Where  rustic  beauty  smiled  and  poets  sung; 
Where  all  thy  beauty  now?     Dark  Solitude 
Hangs  o'er  thy  ruins,  crawling  reptiles  brood 
Where  prattling  children  gamlnjl'd  joyous,  free. 
And  blackon'd  walls  are  all  that's  left  of  thee! 

Well  1  remember  many  a  pleasant  day 
Pass'd  with  dear  friends — now  scatter  d  far  a\v:iy, 
Whose  hearts  were  in  their  hands — who  sipp'd 
Sweets  from  the  flow'r  before  its  leaves  were  stripp'd. 

How  points  the  hand  of  time  on  yonder  tower? 
Close  on  the  noon  of  night;  the  stilly  hour 
When  motley  forms  creep  thro'  the  sleeper's  brain. 
And  Chanticleer  sends  forth  his  clarion  strain. 
Myriads  of  stars  wink  in  their  azure  spheres, 
And  fashion  music,  strange  to  earthly  ears, 


*  On  the  morning  of  the  8th  August  the  Confederate  forces  under 
Gen.  Ma<.'rii(Jer,  who«e  canip  was  at  Yorktown.  marched  towards 
Jlaniptou,  thtii  (K'cu|iied  by  (Jon.  JJutlor's  Federal  troops.  He  went 
within  a  mile  and  a  liiilf  of  the  town,  and  lialted.  At  nijjht  large  6reB 
were  built  at  this  point,  and  the  Cicnoral  withdrew  to  within  three 
miles  of  Haniptt)n.  Alter  midnight,  findin-;  that  the  enemy  niade  no 
dciuon.stration  whatever,  he  desjiatehed  fiowe  two  or  three  regiments  of 
inlaritry  and  a  troop  of  cavalry  into  town,  with  instructions  to  burn  it. 
This  force  entered  the  town,  and  with  the  aid  of  some  of  the  citizens, 
set  fire  to  it  at  about  3  o'cK^ck  in  the  morning.  IJy  daylight  it  was 
reduced  to  a.-^hes.  Many  of  the  Confederate  officers  and  privates  were 
citizens  of  Hampton,  and  owners  of  the  property  tliey  consumed.  The 
burning  of  the  town  was  considered  a  military  neces.^^ity,  as  it  was  ascer- 
tained that  it  was  to  be  made  the  winter  quarters  of  the  Federals. 


HAMPTON. 

While  slowly  sinks  the  silent  moon,  her  beams 
Kissing  the  wavelets  of  a  thousand  streams. 
'T  is  the  high  carnival  of  thought,  when  Heaven 
Seems  nearest  Earth,  and  when  to  man  is 'given 
The  power  to  conjure  up  the  dreamy  past, 
To  raise  the  veil  o'er  happier  moments  cast. 

Ye  chosen  few !  I  see  ye  mirrored  up. 
Like  roses  wreathed  around  a  banquet  cup ; 
I  see  3'our  smile  diffusing  joy  around, 
I  hear  your  laugh,  the  happy  spirit's  bound. 
Electric  sparks  play  round  the  lips  of  Wit, 
And  fan  a  flame  that  man  may  hallow  it, 
While  wrinkled  Care  breaks  loose  his  heavy  toils, 
And  reads  a  lesson  in  Good  Humor's  smiles. 
How  fleetl}^  glided  by  the  sunny  hours, 
When  life  was  like  a  pilgrimage  o'er  flowers. 
The  air  seem'd  fiU'd  with  laughing  sprites;  the  sea 
Sang  its  hoarse  anthem,  wild — yet  merrily, 
While  dancing  waves  roll'd  shouting  up  the  shore, 
And  clnpp'd  their  hands  as  pla^'ful  as  of  yore. 
The  woods  were  eloquent  with  jovial  sounds, 
The  snort  of  steeds,  the  merrj^  cry  of  hounds, 
While  from  her  covert  sprang  th'  affrighted  deer, 
With  lofty  bound  and  eye  illum'd  by  fear. 
Each  rivulet  sang  songs  of  joy,  and  roU'd 
In  merry  humor  o'er  its  sands  of  goldj 
And  e'en  the  cliffs,  whose  hoary  brows  o'erhung 
The  dark  ravine,  their  mystic  paeans  sung 
With  ten-fold  wildness,  sending  back  the  strain 
Vv  hich  merry  voices  utter'd  on  the  plain.        ' 


38  HAMPTON. 

When  shall  we  meet  again,  ye  chosen  few, 
To  pluck  wild  flowers,  to  sip  the  honey -dew? 
When  shall  our  lips,  by  kindly  words,  impart 
The  healing  btilm  unto  the  wounded  heart? 
When  silvery  tresses  wave  around  the  l)row, 
And  hearts  are  cliilTd  that  pulse -so  warmly  now; 
When  the  frail  form,  Lent  down  by  weight  of  years, 
Halts  at  the  grave,  and  sprinkles  it  with  tears — 
Tears  for  the  one  that 's  gone  Ijefore,  whose  bed 
Tells  lingering  ones  the  story  of  the  dead. 

May  Time's  hand  lightly  press  upon  your  brow, 
Keep  ever  bright  the  smiles  so  radiant  now, 
While  from  his  wings  falls  Pleasure's  diamond  dew, 
To  throw  life's  fragrance  round  the  chosen  fcAV. 
AVith  blazing  brand.  War  laid  thy  houses  low, 

The  tower'd  church,  the  school-house  and  the  cot; 
The  grand  old  trees  shrunk  in  the  with'ring  glow, 

And  vine  and  rose-bush  crimp'd  and  fell — to  rot. 
The  foeman  now  treatls  o'er  thy  crumbling  walls. 
The  owlets  roost  within  thy  silent  halls; 
And  in  the  grave-yard,  where  our  loved  ones  sleep, 
Rude  enemies  their  noisy  revels  keep.  * 


*  There  was  an  old  Episcopal  Church  in  Ilurapton,  one  of  the  oldest 
in  the  Southern  Confederacy.  It  was  not  fired  by  the  troops,  but 
cuuf^ht  from  the  other  buildinfj^s.  The  vandals  of  liutler's  army  dese- 
crated the  hallowed  <;rave-yard  where  lay  the  remains  of  the  ancestors 
of  many  an  honorable  N'irj^inia  fauiily.  They  co  ikcd  their  meats  on  the 
venerated  slabs  that  recorded  the  names  of  the  departed — played  cards 
and  frolicked  away  the  tinje  under  the  shade  of  the  revered  old  trees. 

The  writer  of  this  ])oem  cherishes  many  sweet  memories  of  the 
U)vin  of  Hampton — he  resided  there,  formed  nianyla-sting  attachments, 
and  the  remains  of  his  beloved  partner  lie  sleepin;;  there.  His  rhap- 
sody will  therefore  be  excused  by  the  generous  reader. 


HATTERAS.  39 

Sweet,  peaceful  Hampton — now  thyself  no  more — 
But  a  dark  monument  of  blasting  War! 

Now  through  the  deep  a  vast  armada  sped/-'" 

From  old  Monroe,  with  guns  of  heavy  weight, 
And  armed  hosts  by  brutish  Butler  led ;  , 

Its  aim  the  seaboard  of  the  old  North  State. 
Fort  Clarke  first  felt  the  power  of  its  shot, 
The  battering  was  quick  and  short — but  hot; 
Then  Hattcras' received  the  iron  shower. 
And  thunder'd  back  with  all  her  might  and  power. 
But 't  was  of  no  avail,  though  to  the  last  , 

The  heroes  faced  the  missiles  thick  and  fast; 
Yet  might  prevail'd,  the  gallant  fortress  fell, 
The  victors  landed  .with  loud  shout  and  yell. 
Thus  gain'd  the  foe  a  foothold  on  the  coast, 
AVhile  we  eight  hundred  noble  patriots  lost. 

*  On  the  25th  August  an  extensive  expedition  was  organized,  and  left 
Fortress  Monroe  under  command  of  Gen.  JJutler.  It  consisted  of  the 
frigates  Minnesota  and  Wabash,  the  ship-of-war  PaAvnee,  the  gunboats 
Monticello  and  Harriet  Lane,  steamers  Adehude  and  George  Peabody, 
propellers  Fanny  and  Adriatic,  with  a  large  number  of  schooners, 
barges,  &c.  The  steamer  Quaker  City  followed  shortly  afterwards. 
These  vessels  carried  over  100  guns  and  4,!  100  jucn.  Much  curiosity 
and  interest  were  manifested  for  several  days  to  know  where  this  fleet 
would  turn  up. 

On  the  28th  the  fleet  appeared  off  the  coast  of  North  Carolina. 
Fort  Clarke  was  first  attacked,  and  the  garrison  being  soon  driven  out, 
sought  refuge  in  Fort  Hatteras,  some  two  miles  further  south.  The 
enemy  then  poured  in  a  shower  of  shell  and  round  .shot  upon  Hatteras, 
which  our  men  were  unable  to  return  effectually  bcrause  tluir  hmrj 
r<ini/c  gnnn  icrre  not  monntnl.  The  , attack  was  made  at  8  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  and  kept  up  until  11  A.  M.  the  next  day.  Eleven  of  the 
enemy's  vessels  were  engaged  in  the  bombardment.  From  six  to  eight 
hundred  prisoners  were  taken  by  the  enemy,  among  them  Col.  Martin 
and  Commodore  Barron. 


40  SUMMERVILLE. 

At  Cross  Lanes  vict'ry  perch'd  upon  our  flag,* 
Her  cheering  shout  was  sent  from  crag-  to  crag. 
The  patriot  Floyd  marshall'd  our  galhmt  band, 
RepeU'd  the  foe  while  fighting  hand  to  hand, 
^lany  a  Hessian  fell — the  rest  took  heel, 
Awed  at  the  keenness  of  our  Southern  steel. 

Again  near  Summerville  Floyd's  brave  brigade  f 
Won  lasting  fame.     Behind  their  palisade 
Of  earth  and  logs  they  galld  the  daring  foe, 
Scattered  their  legions,  laid  their  proud jst  low; 
Till  sick  with  slaughter,  from  the  field  they  fled, 
Wi til, scarcely  time  to  gather  in  their  dead. 
Night  gather'd  round — the  foe  was  reinforc'd 
By  more  than  double  what  then-  ranks  had  lost; 


*  On  the  2Gth  August  an  ongajrement  took  place  at  a  place  called 
"  Cross  Lanes,"  near  the  junction  of  Meadow  and  Gaule}-  Rivers,  some 
twenty  miles  above  the  mouth  of  the  latter  stream,  between  General 
Floyd's  forces  and  1,800  Federals.  The  enemy  were  repulsed  in  less 
tlitii  an  hour,  losing  all  their  wagons  and  baggage  of  evei^'  descrip- 
tion. They  also  suffered  a  loss  of  oO  killed  and  wounded,  and  from  60 
to  100  prisoners. 

fOn  the  11th  September  a  battle  occurred  near  Summerville,  in 
Western  Virginia.  (Jen.  Roseneranz,  altor  making  a  reconnoissance, 
found  (Jen.  Floyd  with  his  army  of  5,000,  with  16  field  pieces, 
entrenched  on  the  top  ol'  a  mountain  on  the  west  side  of  Oauley  River. 
The  jiosilion  was  guarded  by  heavy  forts  and  a  jungle.  The  action  was 
opened  by  Floyd's  Artillery.  Tiio  enemy  was  mostly  posted  in  the 
road — and  some  accounts  have  it  that  his  los.s  was  terrible,  while  on  the 
Conlederate  side  only  one  was  killed,  one  drowned  atid  seven  wounded. 
Roseneranz  made  a  vigorous  attack,  driving  in  the  advanced  guani  and 
assailing  Floyd  in  his  position  a  short  <listance  from  the  .North  bank 
of  the  (iauley.  The  enemy  was  Irequently  and  sncec.'Jsfully  repulsed, 
and,  it  is  said,  with  a  lo.ss  of  four  or  five  hundred,  (^icn.  Floyd  was 
slightly  wounded  ;  he  crossed  the  river,  and  Roseneranz  fell  back. 
Floyd,  by  this  movement,  effected  a  junction  with  (Jen.  Wise,  on  the 
liunday  road.  This  affair  is  sometimes  called  the  "  Rattle  of  Carnefax 
Ferry." 


LEXINGTON.  41 

Wisely  our  Gen'ral  cross'd  the  turbid  flood, 

And,  when  the  morning  broke,  the  breastworks  stood. 

But  not  a  soklier  for  the  feast  of  blood. 

Fair  Lexington  had  long  in  bondage  groan'd,''' 

The  tyrant's  chains  were  closely  round  her  drawn ; 
Her  beauteous  daughters  wept,  her  old  men  moan'd, 

And  prayed  to  Ileav'n  for  Freedom's  happy  dawn. 
Her  streets  were  press'd  b}^  armed  foreign  hordes, 

Her  halls  of  learning  turn'd  to  barrack  pens; 
And  e'en  the  fanes,  held  sacred  as  the  Lord's, 

Were  chang'd  to  filthy  and  unholy  dens. 
But  nobly  Price,  with  soldiers  used  to  war, 
Came  rushing  on  like  waves  upon  the  shore; 
While  Rains,  with  batt'ries  thundering  fast  and  loud, 
Sent  death  amid  the  starving  Yankee  crowd. 
"Water!"  they  cried — "to  wet  our  parched  lips;"*)- 
And  from  a  pnssing  cloud  the  liquid  drips; 

*0n  the  16th  September  a  severe  siege  took  place  of  the  town  of 
Lexington,  JNIo.,  which  lasted  from  that  day  to  the  21st,  on  which  day 
Col.  Mulligan,  with  ^>,500  Federal  troops,  surrendered  to  the  Confede- 
rate forces  under  Gen.  Price.  According  to  the  Northern  accounts 
Mulligan's  reinforcements  we're  intercepted  and  driven  back.  The 
situation  of  his  men  grew  desperate,  sorties  and  skirmishes  took  place 
constantly.  The  Home  Guard  became  disaffected  and  first  raised  the 
white  flag.  Finallj^  the  Federal  officers  held  a  council  and  decided  to 
capitulate.  Price  demanded  the  unconditional  surrer.dcr  of  the  officers  ; 
the  men  were  allowed  to  depart  without  arms,  after  takij  g  an  oath 
not  to  fight  in  future  against  the  Confederate  States.  A  large  quantity 
of  specie  and  other  property  were  captured.  After  the  surrender  of 
Lexington,  Gov.  Jackson  with  the  Legislature  assembled  and  passed 
the  ordinance  of  secession.  Lexington  was  made  the  capital  of  the 
State  of  Missouri. 

t  At  the  siege  of  L(exington,  the  inhabitants  were  cut  off  from  the 
river,  and  no  water  was  to  be  obtained.  Kain  at  intervals  came  to 
gratify  their  thirst;  instances  occurred  where  soldiers  spread  out  their 
blankets  until  thoroughly  wet,  and  then  wrung  theiu  into  their  camp 
dishes,  carefully  saving  the  priceless  fluid  thus  obtaiued. 


42  GREENBRIAR. 

No  river,  gurgling  fount  or  stagnant  pool 
Qucnch'd  their  mad  thirst  or  made  their"  foreheads  cool. 
For  five  long,  wearv  days  the  siege  held  out, 
And  shot  and  shell  Hew  fearfully  about, 
Till  disaffection  crept  from  man  to  man, 
And  mutiny  its  secret  work  began. 
The  white  flag  wav'd — then  Mercy  took  her  throne. 
The  huge  siege-guns  then  hush'd  their  thundering  tone. 
The  town  was  freed — the  stars  and  bars  were  h'ail'd, 
Once  more  the  tyrant  'neath  their  beauty  quail'd. 
High  on  Cheat  Mountain  stood  the  haughty  foe,* 
.  Entrench'd  around  with  rows  of  bristling  guns; 
Jackson,  the  dauntless  hero,  stood  below, 

His  men  array'd  where  clear  Greenbriar  runs. 
He  challenged  forth  th'  invaders  of  his  home, 
And  bid  them  from  their  strong  entrenchments  com«5. 
And  give  him  fight;  this  banter  Re3molds  took, 
And  down  he  came  from  stony  peak  and  nook. 

The  sun  was  up,  his  mild  October  rays 
Glanc'd  o'er  the  woods  and  fields  of  yellow  maize. 
When,  suddenly,  tliC  pickets  left  their  posts. 
And  hurried  in  before  th'  advancing  hosts. 
Soon  down  the  slope  a  rattling  volley  pour'd, 
'Twas  answered  quick  while  loud  artillery  roar'd. 

♦On  the  13th  October  the  Federal  army  under  Gen.  lleynolds 
attacked  the  Confederate  forces  under  Gen.  II.  K.  Jackson  at  Green- 
Lriar  river.  The  enemy  had  been  strongly  entrenched  and  ft)rtified  on 
the  top  of  Cheat  Mountain,  and  our  troops  con.siJering  it  hopeless  to 
attack  .such  a  position,  tried  every  means  to  f:ot  them  out.  At  day- 
li<:;ht  on  the  l:{th,  llcynolds  came  down  with  i^.OlK*  men,  and  drove  in 
the  Confederate  pickets.  The  Ix.ttle  then  coiimemiJ  and  rajred  lour 
and  a  half  hours,  when  the  pnen)y  retreated  with  a  reported  loss  of 
1,.')U0  killed  and  wounded.  The  Confederate  loss  was  seven  killed, 
twenty  wounded  and  twelve  missing. 


GREENBRIAR.  43 

With  steady  aim  brave  Shumaker  threw  out 
His  iron  messengers,  which  flew  about 
So  swift  and  fast,  that  columns  strong  gave  way, 
And  hundreds  kiss'd  the  sod  that  noisy  day.- 

In  the  reserve  a  vet'ran  soldier  stood 
Upon  his  rifle  leaning,  in  a  mood 
That  sceni'd  like  revery.     lie  watch'd  the  fight, 
And,  when  the  cannon  peal'd,  his  eyes  would  light, 
His  bosom  swell — his  lips  give  out  "  hurra!  " 
So  proud  was  he  of  carnage  and  of  war. 
A  rifle's  qrack  was  heard — down  fell  a  foe  ; 
"Ah,  ha!"  shriek'd  he  with  joy,  "that's  our  Joej 
I  know  his  critters  voice — she  's  quick  and  true, 
And  Joe 's  the  boy  for  Yankee-doodle-doo." 
Another  crack  from  the  thick  brush  below, 
Ag{j,in  he  bellow'd  but,  "  that 's  our  Joe  !  " 
At  length  a  cannon  spoke  in  awful  tones, 
And  sent  its  deadly  ball  thro'  flesh  and  bones ; 
Up  leapt  the  old  man,  with  a  Hoosier  crow, 
Shouting  above  the  din,  "  that 's  our  Joe ! " 

But  sorrow  came  to  that  gray-bearded  man, 
Whose  years  of  life  were  but  a  narrow  span. 
They  brought  a  dead  youth  from  the  bloody  plain, 
And  said  a  bullet  had  gone  through  his  brain ; 
The  old  man  groan'd  in  agony  of  woe. 
And  gazing  on  his  son,  sighed,  "that's  our  Joe!" 
For  hours  they  fought,  but  Jackson  held  his  ground ; 

It  was  high  noon,  when,  yielding  to  the  shock. 
The  Northmen  on  their  heels  turn'd  quick  around, 

And  left  our  heroes  firm  as  Otter's  rock.  " 


44  SAM  A    ROSA. 

Ilundreds  there  la}''  upon  the  stubhle  plain, 
Never  to  raise  their  battle  cry  again. 

At  Santa  Rosa's  isle  our  stalwart  men  * 

Cross'd  o'er  the  bay  and  storm'd  the  foen^an's  camp; 
Led  on  by  Anderson  thro'  sand  and  fen, 

Thro'  fields  of  eaue  and  many  a  gloomy  swamp. 
Wilson's  Zouaves — the  pick'd  cf  New  York's  scum, 
Lay  quarter d  there,  and  hush'd  was  fife  and  drum; 
They  soundly  slept,  when  rattling  muskets  told 
That  some  strange  foe  was  there — supremely  bold. 
Faintly  resisting — then,  all  sans  culoUe, 
They  ran  and  made  good  time  while  dodging  shot ; 
Many  fell,  grov'ling  in  the  sand — our  men 
Laid  waste  their  camp,  and  then  went  back  again. 

And  then,  at  Barboursvillef — near  Leesburg  too, J  ' 
Great  deeds  were  done  by  Southrons  brave  and  true; 

*  On  the  night  of  the  10th  October,  Santa  Rosa  Island,  near  Pensa- 

cola,  was  stormed  by  the  Confederate  troops,  l.OUO  in  lunnher,  under 
Gen.  Anderson,  and  the  Federal  eanip  broken  up.  This  camp  \va.s  occu- 
pied by  the  celebrated  IJilly  Wilson's  Zouaves.  They  burnt  and  destroyed 
every  building  (except  the  hospital),  with  immense  quantitiesof  rations, 
equipments,  stores  and  munitions.  All  the  cannon  were  spiked.  Loss 
of  the  enemy  very  great — that  of  the  Confederates  was  4(1  killed  and 
wounded.  One  account  states  that  Hilly  Wilson  made  his  escape  to 
Fort  l^ickciis  .sr/»S  l  ulottr. 

fOn  the  14th  October  a  brilliant  affair  took  place  at  Barboursville, 
Ky.,  Cols.  Rains  and  Hrunner  started  on  a  scouting  expedition,  taking 
20  men  with  them.  Near  Rarboursville  they  \vcre  tired  on  by  the  Fede- 
rals in  ambush  ;  they  routed  the  enemy,  and  returned  to  camp,  giving 
the  alarm.  Col.  Rattle  as.sembled  a  foree,  and  made  after  tbe  enemy, 
who  was  reported  at  Rarboursvillc.  A  brisk  firing  eommenced  near  the 
town — a  gallant  charge  w:us  made  by  our  troops,  the  Federals  fled, 
leaving  nineteen  dead  on  the  field,  besides  arms  ammunition  and  two 
prisoners.     Lieut.  I'owell,  of  Cun)mitigs'  regiment,  was  killed. 

I  On  the  l^th  of  October,  Capt.  Ashby's  cav.llry  engaged  a  detach- 
ment of  the  enemy  between  Leesburg  and  Harper's  Ferry,  Va.,  and 


LEESBURG.  45 

While  Hollins'  fleet  at  Mississippi's  month, 
Scatter'd  their  ships — the  torments  of  the  South. '^' 

On  old  Potomac's 'rocky  banks  there  stood 
An  armed  host,  thirsting  for  Southern  blood; 
Their  weapons. glitter'd  in  the  setting  sun, 
Which  linger'd  in  the  west,  as  they  begun 
To  cross  the  stream  and  climb  the  rugged  way 
That  led  to  Leesburg,  where  our  forces  lay.f 
The  Mississippi  boys  were  sent  to  meet 
This  hostile  band.     Eight  bravely  did  they  greet 
The  proud  invader — every' volle^-'s  roar 
Waked  doubling  echoes  on  the  craggy  shore. 


badly  routed  them.     Federal  loss  16  killed  and  15  wounded;  the  Con- 
federate loss  one  killed  and  one  wounded. 

*  On  the  12th  October  a  spirited  naval  exploit  took  place  at  the  head 
of  the  passes  in  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi  lliver.  It  seems  that 
Commodore  Hollins,  of  the  C.  S.  Xavy,  conceived  the  idea  of  brpuking 
the  hlorknde  by  scattering  the  Federal  ships  off  New  Orleans.  He  suc- 
ceeded, after  a  very  short  struggle,  in  driving  them  aground — one  of 
them  was  sunk.     The  attempt  was  brilliant,  but  accomplished  no  good. 

f  The  sanguinary  battle  of  Leesburg  took  place  near  that  town  on 
the  21st  October.  The  details  of  the  Northern  journals  were  truly 
sickening,  and  it  was  pronounced  more  "bloody,  in  proportion,  than  the 
fierce  conflict  at  Bull  llun.  On  Sunday,  the  2Uth,  the  Confederate 
troops  were  prepared  for  hot  work.  Gen.  Evans  having  received  infor- 
mation that  the  enemy  were  crossing  the  river.  On  ^Monday,  about  8 
o'clock,  the  battle  commenced  with  a  roar  of  artillery,  which  was  the 
signal  for  the  opening  of  one  of  the  severest  fights  of  the  war. 

The  enemy  were  l'rer|uent]y  repulsed  with  great  slaughter,  leaving 
their  dead  and  mangled  bodies  strewn  over  the  ground  like  autumn 
leaves ;  and,  in  their  precipitate  retreat,  it  is  estimated  that  more  than 
one  hundred  found  a  watery  grave,  wliile  no  less  than  (lii?  were  made 
prisoners.  Gen.  Stone  commanded  the  Federals,  amounting  to  about 
2,000,  the  advance  of  Gen.  ]]anks'  army — their  total  loss  was  esti- 
mated at  from  1,000  to  1,200;  among  their  killed  was  Col.  Kaker, 
ex-United  States  Senator.  Our  entire  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  was 
150,  among  the  former  was  Col.  IJurt,  of  the  l.^th  Mississippi  regi- 
ment, a  brave  and  accomplished  soldier. 


46  PORT    ROYAL. 

Then  forward  sprang  from  ambush  dark  and  deep 
Virginia's  Eighth — in  companies  they  sweep 
The  open  field  amid  tlie  galling  fire 
Of  twice  their  force — compass'd  by  slaughter  dire. 
The  men  of  Mississippi  then  fell  in. 
Blending  their  war-cry  with  the  musket's  din. 
Captured  the  Yankee  guns  with  shout  and  yell, 
Nor  ceas'd  their  work  till  haughty  Baker  fell.   • 
Down  the  sharp  crags  that,  hung  above  the  shore, 
The  Yankees  leapt,  all  weltering  in  their  gore, 
Then,  battling  with  the  waves,they  scream'd  in  vain 
For  help — they  sank — never  to  rise  again. 
Honor  to  Evans  and  his  brave  brigade! 
AVho  gave  th'  invader  soil — but  with  a  spade. 
Tears  for  the  gallant  Burt,  who  nobly  fell 
Beneath  the  flag  he  loved  so  long  and  well. 

Thus  far  our  cause  had  prosper'd,  but  reverse 
Will  sometimes  throw  its  sombre  shadow  far; 

Let  the  sad  Muse  the  dark  tale  now  rehearse, 
'Tis  hers — the  task  tossing  of  fickle  War. 

Port  Ro3al  fell  'mid  storms  of  deadly  hail,* 

And  peal  on  peal  that  made  the  stoutest  quail; 

*  On  the  Gth  November  the  vast  nrniiida,  so  long  fittiDf;  out  by  the 
Fedenil  Government,  having  reached  it,s  destination,  made  a  descent 
upon  Port  Royal,  on  tlie  coast  of  South  Carolina.  Tiie  assault  of  this 
huge  armament  was  gallantly  resisted  by  the  Confederate  gunners,  but 
overcome  by  a  largely  superior  force,  the  forts  were  compelled  to  yield. 
The  battle  commenced  at  between  S  and  !)  o'chick,  A.  M.,  by  the  fleet 
advancing  into  the  harbor  in  single  file,  headed  by  tlio  flag-ship  Minne- 
sota, under  (^ommodorc  Dupont,  which  was  fttllowed  by  some  twelve  or 
thirtten  propellers  of  great  power,  most  of  which  had  sailing  frigates  in 
tow.     The  Forts  Walker  and   Beauregard   opened  upon  them,  which 


BELMONT PIKETON.  47 

In  vain  her  brave  defenders  plied  their  guns, 

In  vain  the  Georgians,  Carolina's  sons 

And  German  gunners,  sent  the  thunders  back, 

The  Yankee  fleet  kept  on  their  watery  track, 

Veer'd  and  spit  out  their  streams  of  flame  and  smoke; 

Till  the  calm  waters  from  their  slumbers  broke, 

And  froth  capp'd  waves  danc'd  up  toward  the  sky, 

Lash'd  by  the  balls  in  their  mad  revelry. 

Port  Royal  fell !  its  forts  and  harbor  fair — 

A  foreign  standard  now  is  waving  there. 

At  Belmont  Havoc  raised  his  piercing  yell,*      • 
Let  loose  his  furies  'mid  the  struggling  bands; 

While  May  at  Piketon  on  the  foemen  fell,-|- 

And  dug  their  graves  with  eager,  bloody  hands. 


was  replied  to  by  broadsides  from  the  frigates.  For  a  long  time  the 
combat  was  terrific,  guns  of  the  heaviest  calibre  being  used.  Our  forts 
fired  several  of  their  ships,  but  the  flames  were  quickly  extinguished. 
At  about  3  o'clock  but  three  of  the  guns  of  Fort^ Walker  remained  in 
position.  Our  men,  especially  the  German  Artillery,  behaved  with 
great  coolness  and  bravery.  Our  loss  at  Fort  Walker  was  supposed  to 
be  aljout  100  in  killed  and  wounded,  of  which  the  German  Artillery 
lost  eight  killed  and  fourteen  wounded.  The  garrison  were  compelled  to 
evacuate  the  position  and  retreat  to  Bluffton.  Sometinic  after  the  Hil- 
ton Head  battery  had  to  be  yielded,  that  of  Bay  Point  was  also  left  by 
our  troops,' who  fell  back  on  St.  Helena  and  Beaufort. 

*  On  the  7tb  November  a  glorious  victory  was  achieved  by  the  Con- 
federate troops  at  Belmont,  Ky.  The  fight  commenced  at  1 1  o'clock 
in  the  morning,  and  lasted  until  5  o'clock  in  the  evening.  The  north- 
ern and  southern  accounts  of  this  battle  are  very  conflicting.  The  loss 
of  the  Confederates  is  estimated  at  585,  killed, 'wouijdcd  and  missing, 
that  of  the  Federals  at  548.  The  Confederates  fairly  claim  a  brilliant 
victory,  as  the  enemy  left  the  field  and  retreated  acro.ss  the  river. 

t  On  the  Sth  November  a  severe  conflict  between  the  Confederate 
and  Federal  forces  occurred  near  l^iketon,  Ky.  It  took  place  a  i\^w 
miles  beyond  I'iketon,  on  the  Loui.^a  Bivcr,  just  west  of  the  mouth  of 
Ivy  Creek,  which  empties  into  the  Louisa  from  the  north  side.  The 
road  beyond  the  river  from  the  mouth  of  the  Ivy  is  over  a  steep  bluflf, 


48  ALI.EGII  AN  V DllANESVlLLE. 

At  Alleghany,  where  bold  Johnson's  force  * 
Was  canip'd,  the  ^oe  with  hifantry  and  horse 
Made  fight,  but  dearl}-  rued  the  fearful  hour 
They  came  to  test  the  dauntless  Southron's  power. 
And  then  again  at  Dranesville  freely  Howdf 
The  tide  of  life,  and  Death's  cold,  shadowy  abode 

risinjr  thirty  feet  perpendicularly  from  the  water.  Alonjj  the  side  of 
the  road  for  four  or  five  hundrod  yards  west  of  the  mouth  of  the  Ivy, 
which  is  spanned  by  a  hij^h  bridi^e,  the  mountain  rises  to  a  irreat  heii^ht 
•hy  a  very  precipitous  ascent,  thickly  covered  with  ivy,  laurel,  and  other 
ever";reens.  Into  this  covert,  alonjr  the  steep  ascent,  ('apt.  Jack  May 
placed  his  sharp-^-hooters,  about  vJOU  in  number,  a  short  time  bclore  the 
advance  column  of  the  enemy  came  up.  lie  tlir-n  set  fire  to  the  bridge. 
The  enemy's  advance  soon  appeared,  suspectin}?  notliintr;  and,  seeinp^ 
the  bridge  on  fire,  supposed  that  our  force  had  retreated  to  the  other 
side.  When  four  or  five  hundred  yards  of  the  mad  below  him  was 
filled  with  men,  crack  went  the  rifles  of  Jack  May  and  his  sharp  shoot- 
ers along  the  whole  distance.  They  continued  to  load  and  fire  for  sev- 
eral rounds,  and  then,  at  a  sifrnal,  they  vanished  around  the  mountain, 
and  up  Ivy  Creek  to  a  temporary  crossing,  which  the}'  had  taken  care 
to  provide,  and  which  they  destroyed  after  they  had  crossed  the  river. 
May  lost  two  of  his  men  killed,  and  fifteen  wounded.  The  dead  of 
the  enemy  were  jiiled  in  heaps  in  the  road.  Between  five  and  six  hun- 
<lred  is  said  to  have  been  the  loss  of  the  enemy.  May  found  his  way 
ijufely  back  to  the  camp  of  Col.  Williams. 

*  Od  the  morning  of  the  12th  December  a  severe  battle  was  fought 
near  the  foot  of  Alleghany  mountain,  in  Western  Virginia.  The  action 
was  commenced  on  the  evening  of  the  11th.  and  renewed  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  llith.  The  Fedenils,  who  were  doubtless  guided  by  L'nion 
men  in  the  vicinity,  came  ujxm  the  Confederates  under  Col.  Johnson, 
soon  after  daylight,  from  the  North,  their  strength  biding  four  regiments 
of  about  1,0()(J  men  each;  our  force  consisted  of  three  regiments  of  au 
average  of  400  each,  two  battalions  nundjering  together  200  men,  and 
two  batteries  of  four  guns  each.  The  fight  continued  until  2  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  when  the  enemy  retreated.  Caj)t.s.  Anderson,  of  the  Lee  Bat- 
tery, and  3Iayncham  were  killed.  In  this  battle  it  is  said  that  Col. 
Johnson  "covered  himself  wiih  glory." 

f  On  the  20th  l)ecemher  a  severe  fight  took  jdaec  at  Dranesville, 
Va.,  which  resulted  badly  to  the  Confederates,  though  it  was  pro- 
nounced a  "drawn  battle."  The  patriots  of  ilie  South  had  to  contend 
against  fearful  odds.  Gen  Stuart  commanded  the  Confederate  forces. 
Lt.  Col.  Martin  was  killed  in  the  action. 


SOMERSET — ROANOKE.  49 

Was  fill'd  with  flesh  and  bones.     Here  Martin  fell 
His  pall  the  smoke — the  cannon's  roar  his  knell. 
At  Somerset,  brave  Zollicoffer  died,* 
A  son  of  Tennessee — his  army's  pride. 
It  was  a  fearful  fight-^the  Spartan  bands 
Roll'd  on  the  turf  with  cold  and  bloody  hands; 
They  fought  'gainst  odds  and  firmly  stood  the  brunt, 
Young  Bailie  Peyton  perish'd  in  the  front.       * 

Gloom  after  gloom !  the  Southern  star  shone  dim, 
Crush'd,  but  not  conquer'd,  were  our  warriors  bold ; 

Great  God  is  just,  they  placed  their  faith  iu  him. 
And  still  fought  on  beneath  their  banner's  fold. 

Off  Roanoke  a  line  of  gunboats  loom'd  f 
Above  the  misty  horizon;  they  seem'd 

*  The  battle  of  Somerset  (sometimes  called  Mill  Spring),  Ky.,  oc- 
curred on  the  19th  January,  1862.  It  was  a  hard  fought  conflict,  in 
which  our  troops  signalized  themselves  in  the  firm  stand  they  took 
against  the  invaders.  The  Confederate  force  was  under  the  immediate 
command  of  Maj.  Gen.  Crittenden.  Of  the  death  of  Gen.  Zollicoffer, 
a  writer  gives  the  following  particulars  :  "  The  ^^ississippi  regiment 
was  ordered  to  the  right,  and  Battle's  to  the  left,  and  immediately 
afterwards,  riding  up  in  front.  Gen.  Zollicoffer  advanced  to  within  a 
short  distance  of  an  Ohio  regiment,  which  had  taken  a  position  at  a 
point  unkno\<"n  to  him,  and  which  he  supposed  to  be  one  of  his  regi- 
ments. The  first  intimation  he  had  of  his  position  was  received  when 
too  late.  "  There  's  old  Zollicoffer,"  cried  out  several  of  the  regiment 
in  front  of  him,  "  kill  him  !"  and  in  an  instant  their  pieces  were  leveled 
at  his  person.  At  that  moment  his  aid  drew  his  revolver  and  fired, 
killing  the  individual  who  first  recognized  Gen.  Z.  With  the  most 
perfect  coolness  the  General  approached  to  the  head  of  the  enemy,  and 
drawing  his  sabre,  cut  the  head  of  the  Lincoln  Colonel  from  his  shoul- 
ders. As  soon  as  this  was  done,  twenty  bullets  pierced  the  body  of  our 
gallant  leader,  and  he  fell  from  his  horse  a  mangled  corpse." 

After  suffering  severely,  our  troops,  by  order  of  Gen.  Crittenden, 
retreated  to  their  entrenchments. 

t  The  next  reverse  was  that  of  Roanoke  Island,  in  which,  besides  a 
number  of  brave  fellows,  Capt.  O.  Jennings  Wise,  the  son  of  General 
7 


50  ROANOKE. 

Like  huge  sea  monsters,  when  their  cannon  Ijoom'd 

Old  Ocean  shook — the  gull  and  curlew  scream'd. 
'Twas  Burnside's  fleet  feeling  their  doubtful  way 
Around  the  isle  where  our  dooni'd  squadron  lay. 
Slowly  they  came  where  Lynch's  ships  were  moor'd, 
And  oped  their  ports — a  stream  of  flame  w:as  pour'd 
Upon  our  slender  craft,  who  soon  sent  back 
An  iron  shower  that  made  their  timbers  crack. 
All  day  the  sun  look'd  on  that  stubborn  fight, 
And  silence  only  came  with  sable  night. 

When  morning  dawn'd  the  guns  again  awoke, 
The  forts  and  boats  belch'd  out  their  lire  and  smoke, 
While  on  the  land  the  hostile  troops  closed  in, 
Their  rattling  muskets  joining  in  the  din. 
The  gallant  Wise  fell  crown'd  with  glory's  bays. 
Beloved  by  all — no  tongue  but  spoke  his  praise. 
And  Coles  and  Seldcn,  likewise  brave  Monroe ; 
Firm  to  the  last,  they  .s'corn'd  the  concjucring  foe. 
Our  boats  gave  up — unequal  was  the  fight, 

Our  forts  were  hush'd — 't  were  madness  to  reply ; 
Our  troops  surrender'd  to  superior  might. 

And  darkness  brooded  o*er  our  destiny. 


Wise,  lost  his  life.  The  battle  of  lloanoke  Island  took  place  on  the 
7th  and  Hth  Fchruary.  The  Federal  forces  and  fleet  were  under  Gen. 
Burnside,  and  the  Confederates  under  (jen.  AVise.  The  naval  eonffict 
was  short  and  active.  Com.  Lynch,  who  coniuiandcd,  was  badly 
wounded  and  taken  prisoner.  Three  of  our  j,Mnilioats  were  saved,  but 
the  loss  of  life  was  great.  It  was  stated  that  our  loss  in  killed,  wounded 
and  prisoners  was  1,700.  About  400  escaped  from  the  Island..  The 
,  Federals  landed  at  two  points,  and  at  one  of  the  points  they  waded  up 
to  their  waists  to  effect  a  landing.  Among  the  ofliccrs  killed,  besides 
Capt.  Wise,  were  Capt.  Coles,  40th  Virginia,  Jjieut.  Selden,  C  S.  A., 
and  Lieut.  Neill  T.  Monroe,  8th  North  Carolina.  * 


FORT    DONELSON.  51 


Out  in  the  West  reverses  follow'd  fast, 
Fort  Henr J  yielded  to  the  fiery  blast ;  '•' 

*  The  capture  of  Fort  Henry  by  the  combined  efforts  of  the  Federal 
army  and  gunboats,  was  the  prelude  to  the  surrender  of  Fort  Donelson, 
which  battle  lasted  through  the  13th,  14th,  and  15th  February;  on 
the  l(3th  the  Fort  yielded. 

Our  troops  numbered  about  18,000,  and  were  under  the  com- 
mand of  Generals  Floyd,  Pillow,  Buckner,  and  Bushrod  II.  Johnson. 
Most  of  the  regiments  were  from  Tennessee  and  Mississippi,  but  Vir- 
ginia, Alabama,  Texas  and  Arkansas  also  contributed  their  quota,  and 
swelled  the  dimensions  of  the  army  to  the  size  named.  Active  hostili- 
ties commenced  early  in  the  morning  of  the  first  day,  but  were  confined 
to  the  outposts  and  pickets.  The  next  morning  our  artillery  opened 
upon  the  enemy,  and  met  with  a  ready  reply ;  the  artillery  duel  con- 
tinued throughout  the  day.  The  next  day  witnessed  pretty  much  the 
same  display,  with  the  exception  of  an  occasional  skirmish  between  the 
infantry  and  sharp-shooters  of  both  armies;  the  gunboats  also  came  up 
the  river  and  opened  a  vigorous  fire  upon  Fort  Donelson ;  but  after  a 
severe  exchanging  of  shots  for  several  hours,  fell  back  disabled.  On 
Friday,  the  15th,  the  cannonading  was  more  terrible  than  at  any  time 
during  the  siege.  Again  the  gunboats  renewed  their  attack,  and  again 
they  were  compelled  to  retire,  this  time  they  were  placed  thoroughly  hors 
du  coinhat.  The  infantry  also  became  warmly  engaged.  During  the 
fight  a  desperate  charge  was  made  by  two  Illinois  regiments  upon  the 
2d  Kentucky  and  lOtli  Tennessee,  but  they  were  met  almost  hand  to 
hand,  and  sent  back  to  their  entrenchments,  leaving  a  frightful  propor- 
tion of  their  dead  and  mangled  upon  the  field.  The  day  closed  without 
any  practical  advantage  to  either  party.  The  next  day  was  the  Rubicon 
of  Fort  Donelson.  The  enemy  had  received  large  reinforcements,  and 
now  numbered  50,000.  Snow  lay  on  the  ground  to  the  depth  of  three 
inches,  and  a  cold,  blinding  sleet  poured  incessantly  in  the  faces  of 
the  soldiers.  Still  our  men  faltered  not — a  desperate  attack  was  made 
upon  the  right  flank  of  the  enemy,  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Grant. 
Not  more  than  10,000  of  our  men  were  engaged  in  this  movement — 
but  it  was  successful  against  triple  their  number.  The  struggle  now 
became  desperate,  and  the  enemy  were  routed  in  every  direction,  when 
they  were  again  strengthened  by  a  reinforcement  of  30,000  fresh  troops 
encompassing  the  place  and  completely  surrounding  our  forces.  It  was 
useless  to  contend  against  such  odds;  the  Fort  and  army  capitulated  to 
the  enemy  on  their  own  terms.  Floyd  and  Pillow  saved  portions  of 
their  commands. 

The  total  number  of  our  killed  and  wounded  was  estimated  at  from  2,500 
to  0,000,  while  that  of  the  Federals  is  said  to  have  been  from  4  to  0,000. 
Among  our  killed  were  Lieut.  Col.  Clough,  Texas;  Lieut.  Col.  Kobb^ 
Clarksvilie,  Tenn. ;  Capt.  May,  Memphis,  and  Capt.  Porter,  Nashville 


52  NASHVILLE. 

Then  up  the  sluggish  Cumberland  came  boats 
AVith  mighty  guns — death  in  their  iron  throats, 
And  hosts  ot  armed  men,  all  bent  upon 
The  glorious  capture  of  Fort  Donelson. 
Floyd,  Pillow,  Buckner,  Bushrod  Johnson  too. 
Led  their  brigades  the  snow-clad  meadow  through ; 
Charged  boldly  up,  silenc'd  their  batteries'  roar, 
'Mid  heaps  of  dead  and  reeking  pools  of  gore. 
The  Fort  spoke  out — the  gunboats  shrunk  away, 
Shatter'd  and  useless  in  the  dreadful  fray — 
Three  dreary  days — the  slaughter  still  went  on, 
The  fourth  beheld  thy  fall — brave  Donelson ! 

"With  Donelson  fell  Nashville.     Tyrant  rule  * 
Hung  o'er  her  citizens — a  Lincoln  tool, 
With  pow'r  despotic  waved  the  iron  rod. 
And  on  the  necks  of  free-born  people  trod. 

In  far  New  Mexico,  ^mid  hills  and  vales. 
Young  Freedom  sang  her  songs  and  told  her  tales 
To  list'ning  ears.     Her  llame  soon  spread  around, 
And  proud  hearts  bounded  at  the  bugle's  sound. 
Up  rose  a  band  of  true  and  hardy  men. 
And,  rushing  from  the  mountain  top  and  glen. 


♦  Immediately  aft«r  the  surrender  of  Fort  Donelnon  followed  the 
capitulation  of  the  city  of  Njishville.  Mayor  Cheatham,  on  the  arrival 
of  the  Federal  troopa  in  the  vicinity  of  the  city,  repaired  to  Kdj^cfield, 
where  they  were  encamped,  and  furmall}-  tendered  the  city  with  all  the 
public  stores  it  contained,  to  the  commander  of  the  Federal  forces.  It 
was,  perhaps,  the  first  city  of  such  size,  and  containing  so  large  an 
amount  of  valuable  stores,  that  ever  surrendered  under  similar  cireum- 
Btances,  to  so  inconsiderable  a  force — only  lo  men  were  sent  to  take 
possession.  The  inhabitants,  however,  received  the  soldiers  coldly,  and 
only  two  or  three  Union  flags  were  displayed. 


THE    yiKGINIA.  53 

They  met  the  foe  upon  Valverde's  plain  * 

And  told  how  hard  they  fought  by  hundreds  slain. 

Sibley  led  on  the  brave  Confederates, 

And,  by  his  valor,  added  two  new  States, 

Millions  of  treasure  to  the  public  store — 

Unfading  laurels  steep'd  in  human  gore. 

But  stars  will  sometimes  peep  thro'  sombre  clouds, 

And  sunshine  gleam  into  the  prison  cell; 
The  mist  that  vale  and  flowery  hill-side  shrouds, 

Will  rise  and  show  more  brightly  wood  and  dell. 
On  Hampton's  waters  lay  the  wooden  walls 

Of  Northern  pow'r,  securely — as  they  thought. 
Nought  broke  their  quiet  save  the  boatswain's  calls, 

The  whistling  steam-pipe  and  the  engine's  snort. 
From  Norfolk's  harbor  came  a  huge  machine,-|- 
All  noiseless  creeping  thro'  the  waters  green ; 


*  The  sanguinary  battle  of  Valverde,  New  Mexico,  took  place  on  the 
21st  February.  Gen.  Sibley  commanded  the  Confederate  forces,  and  Gen. 
Canbythe  Federal;  it  resulted  in  a  coniplete'dcfieatof  the  latter  with  great 
loss.  It  was  a  great  victory ;  six  thousand  eight  hundred  prisoners  were 
captured,  and  twenty-five  millions  worth  of  property  secured  to  the  8outh- 
ern  Confederacy,  including  the  territories  of  Arizona  and  New  Mexico. 

"f  A  brilliant  naval  affair  came  off  at  the  mouth  of  James  River,  on 
the  8th  March,  and  temporarily  opened  the  blockade.  Two  first  class 
frigates,  the  Cumberland  and  Congress,  were  destroyed,  and  the  steamer 
Minnesota  and  several  smaller  Yankee  craft  disabled.  The  "  sea-mon- 
.ster"  Virginia  (formerly  the  United  States  steam  frigate  Merrimac)  had 
been  for  a  long  while  fitting  for  the  expedition  at  (losport  Navy  Yard; 
and  when  she  crept  out  of  the  harbor  at  Norfolk  she  struck  terror  to 
the  blockading  squadron  of  Lincoln.  The  Virginia  wa.s  under  the 
command  of  Capt.  Buchanan,  who  was  wounded  in  the  engagement. 
The  loss  of  life  on  the  side  of  the  enemy  was  terrific,  on  our  side  it 
was  small.  The  Virginia  was  assisted  in  this  sparkling  affair  by  the 
Confederate  steamers  I'atrick  Henry  and  .Jamestown,  licsides  two  or 
lhree  smaller  vessels.  Several  prizes  were  taken  from  the  Yankees. 
The  great  batteries  at  Newport  News  were  silenced.  The  Virginia 
offered  battle  the  next  day,  but  had  but  little  to  contend  with. 


54  TUE   VIRGINIA. 

'T  WHS  the  Virginia,  all  in  stout  iron  cased, 
A  ram  at  her  prow — timbers  tightly  braced. 
Like  a  huge  tortoise,  thro'  the  briny  deep 
She  made  her  way  a  harvest  rich  to  reap. 
The  Cumberland  at  anchor  lay ;  her  crew 
Gazed  on  the  craft — a  curious  thing  to  view, 
When  loudly  peal'd  the  dark  intruder's  gun, 
And  with  a  plunge  the  dreadful  work  was  done : 
Down  went  the  gallant  frigate;  at  mast  head 
Her  Hag  still  il^ing  o'er  her  buried  dead. 

Then  to  the  Congress  turn'd  the  floating  fort, 
Her  cannon  roar  from  many  a  hidden  port ; 
While,  bounding  harmless  from  her  iron  roof 
The  shot  fell  thick  and  f\ist — but  proof 
Was  she  against  the  wild,  unceasing  shower,' 
Unhurt  herself — to  hurt  w^as  all  her  power. 
The  air  was  rent  with  heavy  shot  and  shell, 
The  spray  dash'd  np — the  waters  rose  and  fell; 
The  Congress  reel'd,  her  decks  all  red  with  gore, 
Striking  her  flag,  she  ran  into  the  shore. 
Oh,  the  wild  screams  of  dying  men !  they  rent 
The  air — the  ship  she  lay  a  monument, 
Till  red-hot  balls  the  sea-worn  fabric  burn'd, 
Left  nought  but  ribs — /or  Congress  had  adjourn  d. 

Long  raged  the  fight;  the  scattcr'd  Yankee  fleet 
Kept  out  of  range  or  order'd  quick  retreat ; 
The  Monitor  essay 'd  to  strike  her  foe. 
She  made  one  plunge,  and  then  thought  Ijcst  to  go! 
Our  gallant  fleet  retir'd  when  night  came  on, 
For  on  that  day  were  fiideless  laurels  won, 


ELKHORN.  55 

While  the  whole  world  proclaim'd  an  era  new, 
Lauding  Buchanan  and  his  sturdy  crew. 

The  busy  Burnside  push'd  his  forces  on. 

And  captur'd  Newbern,  in  the  old  North  State;''' 
The  forts  held  out  and  gave  them  gun  for  gun, 

But  the  town  fell — 't  was  so  decreed  by  fate. 
In  Elkhorn's  fight  the  fierce  McCulloch  fell.f 

And  Mcintosh,  the  bravest  of  the  braves, 
Was  stricken  low — loud  cannon  rung  their  knell, 

And  mourning  comrades  wept  above  their  graves. 
Led  by  Van  Dorn,  our  struggling  heroes  fought 
Like  tigers  at  their  lairs — the  foemen  bought 
A  meagre  vict'ry — on  the  field  were  spread 
Long  lines  of  wounded  and  of  ghastly  dead. 

Now  turn  to  Karnstown,  where  our  Jackson  met  J 
The  boaster  Shields,  and  left  his  gory  mark; 

*  On  the  night  of  the  13th  March  about  20,000  Federals,  attached  to 
the  Burnside  expedition,  landed  with  artillery  and  cavalry  near  the 
batteries  a  short  distance  from  the  town  of  Newbern,  N.  C,  and  beji;aa 
skirniishing  with  their  infantr}'.  Their  gunlx)ats,  about  fifty  in  num- 
ber, hauled  up  within  gun-range  of  the  batteries,  and  opened  upon 
them  with  eight-inch  shell.  The  fight  then  became  general.  We  had 
but  6,0U0  men  in  the  field  and  at  the  batteries — our  loss  in  killed*  wound- 
ed and  prisoners  was  about  1,000.  Col.  Campbell  and  ]jieut.  Col. 
Haywood  were  killed.  The  forts  stood  the  siege  bravely,  but  were  com- 
pelled to  surrender  to  superior  power ;  the  town  of  course  capitulated, 

f  On  the  night  of  the  Hth  March,  and  during  the  days  of  the  7th 
and  8th,  a  severe  battle  took  place  in  Arkansas.  By  some  it  was  called 
the  battle  of  Sugar  Creek,  and  by  others  the  battle  of  Elkhorn.  The 
loss  was  severe  on  both  sides,  and  the  result  of  little  advantage  to 
either.  Gen.  Van  Dorn  was  in  command.  The  enemy's  force  amounted 
to  20,000.  Gens.  McCulloch  and  Mcintosh,  and  Cn]  ITerbcrt  were 
killed,  Gens.  Price  and  Slack  wounded. 

I  On  the  22d  and  23(1  March,  a  severe  encounter  took  place, 
between  the  Confederate  forces,  under  "  Stonewall "  Jackson,  and  the 


56  ST.    AUGUSTIXE. 

Hard  was  the  fight,  till  Sol  in  sorrow  set. 

And  night  spread  o'er  the  field  her  mantle  dark. 
With  foot  to  foot  and  eye  to  eye  they  strove, 
Their  wild  shout  echoing  thro'  glen  and  grove; 
At  night  they  slept,  wlion  hroke  another  day, 
The  dead  lie  there — but  Jackson  was  away. 

As  gentle  Spring  spread  out  her  feast  of  flowers. 
And  kiss'd  young  buds  with  plea.sant  winds  and  showers. 
War  frolick'd  in  his  might  and  flard  his  brand 
Over  the  fields  and  cities  of  tlie  land. 
In  the  far  West,  down  in  the  sunny  South, 
Vengeance  leapt  from  the  cannon's  fiery  mouth; 
The  tyrant's  yoke  upon  the  true  was  placd, 
And  Vandal  acts  made  conquerors  disgraced. 
St.  Augustine  bow'd  to  the  tyrant's  thrall,'-'' 
The  Mississippi  islands,  one  and  all,-|- 

Fcderals,  under  Gen.  Shields,  near  Winchester,  Va.  It  is  generally 
called  the  battle  of  Kanistown,  and  resulted  to  the  advantage  of  the 
Federals,  thoujh.they  were  severely  dealt  with  by  the  Conlederates, 
who  afterwards  retreated  towards  »Stra.sburg.  The  engagenjont  was 
brought  on  by  the  gallant  ('ol.  Ashby,  who  always  fought  the  i^nemy 
whenever  he  showed  hiuistlf ;  it  couimonced  about  4  o'clock  and  ter- 
minated when  night  closed  upon  the  scene  of  conflict.  IJoth  parties 
retired  from  tiie  battle  held.  Our  loss  was  not  over  iOO  killed  and  1.^0 
wounded,  while  that  of  the  enemy  was  about  three  times  that  number. 

♦  The  Federals,  leaving  their  gunboats  outside  the  bar  of  St.  Augus- 
tine, Florida,  approached  tlie  city  in  a  barge,  about  40  in  number,  with 
a  flag  of  truce  and  the  American  ensign  flying.  The  surrender  of  the 
city  and  the  keys  of  the  Fort  were  demanded,  with  the  notice  that  in 
the  event  of  a  refu.«al  the  vessels  outside  would  proceed  to  shell  them. 
The  City  Council  was  immediately  convened,  and.  after  deliberation, 
the  keys  were  delivered  to  the  Federal  officer  in  command  of  the  barge. 

f  During  the  month  of  March  and  a  great  part  of  April,  the 
invaders  of  Southern  soil  slowly  but  surely  converged  their  forces 
towards  the  centre.     Various  small  battles  and   skirmishes  took   place 


BATTLE   OF    SHILOII.  57 

Yielded  'mid  fire  cand  smoke  to  stronger  power, 
Wliile  Freedom  wept  away  the  gloomy  hour. 

Old  Fred'rioksburg,  tho'  filled  with  patriots  true,* 
Besieged  and  and  threaten'd  by  the  hireling  crew, 
Surrender'd  her  rights  and  wore  the  galling  chain. 
Praying  ere  long  to  breathe  free  air  again.  ♦ 

Not  always  with  the  strong  will  be  the  race. 

There  j^et  were  honors  for  the  Southern  arms ; 
For  Beauregard  still  proudly  held  his  place, 

The  stern  director  of  the  battle's  storms. 
On  Shiloh's  plains  the  hostile  armies  met,-|* 
No  earthy  fort — no  ditch — no  parapet; 

on  the  banks  of  the  Western  rivers  and  on  the  coast,  their  gigantic 
fleets  of  gunboats  and  transports  laying  desolate  the  towns  and  country 
within  the  range  of  their  guns.  Island  No.  10,  a  strong  position  on 
the  Mississippi,  occupied  by  the  Confederates,  after  a  long  and  vigorous 
resistance,  surrendered  to  the  enemy. 

*  In  April  the  city  of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy,  who  took  possession  of  the  opposite  heights,  while  our  troops 
fell  back  toward  Gordonsville. 

"I"  The  great  encounter  at  Shiloh,  equaled  only  by  the  battle  of  Ma- 
nassas, somewhat  enlivened  the  drooping  spirits  of  tin^  Southern  people. 
It  came  off  on  the  6th  and  7th  of  April.  Among  the  many  brave  chiefs 
killed  on  our  side,  we  have  to  record  the  name  of  Gen.  Albert  Sidney 
Johnston,  a  most  accomplished  officer  and  brave  soldier.  This  event 
gave  the  command  of  the  Confederate  army  to  Gen.  Beauregard,  who 
planned  the  attack  with  his  usual  ability.  The  Southern  and  North- 
ern accounts  of  this  affair  differ  materially  ;  and  it  is  difficult  to  glean 
from  the  mass  a  reliable  detail. 

The  fight  of  the  firsfday  commenced  with  heavy  skirmishing.  Gen. 
Hardee  niade  the  advance  upon  the  enemy's  camp,  taking  him  com- 
pletely by  surprise.  Gen.  IJragg  commanded  the  centre  and  Gen. 
Polk  the  right  wing  of  the  army.  During  the  first  day  the  enemy 
mhdc  a  great  many  stands,  but  in  every  insUincc  his  ranks  were  broken 
and  disorganized,  and  occasionally  the  retreat  was  vcry»wil<l  and  disor- 
derly, the  troops  breaking  to  run.  The  action  continued  until  G  o'clock 
in  the  evening.  After  having  driven  the  enemy  to  the  range  of  their 
8 


58  BATTLE   OF   SHILOH. 

» 

An  open  field  skirted  by  pine  and  oak, 
That  echoed  back  the  sabre's  sparkling  stroke. 
Hardee  began  the  fi^^lit — his  squadrons'  charge, 
Like  kni.Ldits  of  old  with  battle-axe  and  targe, 
Struck  terror  to  the  loe — they  waver  d — broke — 
And  th§ugh  their  guns  in  tones  of  anger  spoke. 
Yet,  such  a  charge !  their  forward  lines  gave  way 
To  clattering  hoofs  and  steel  that  Hash'd  in  day. 
Then  Bragg  and  Polk  their  cohorts  hurried  fast, 
Rolling  along,  like  clouds  lx*fore  the  blast, 
They  plung'd  into  the  fight;  the  rallied  foe 
Meeting  their  charge  and  dealing  blow  for  blow. 

gunboats,  our  forces  abandoned  the  pursuit,  having  possession  of  their 
entire  carap,  stores,  &c.  Our  force  in  this  engagement  did  not  exceed 
30,000;  that  of  the  enemy  could  not  have  been  less  than  70,000,  under 
the  command  of  Gen.  Grant,  the  victor  of  Donclson. 

The  next  morning,  soon  after  sunrise,  the  enemy  having  been  heavily 
reinforced,  made  an  attempt  to  force  our  position.  His  att;ick  was 
spirited,  and  the  day's  fighting  wiis  far  more  severe  than  that  of  the 
previous  day,  he  being  aidid  by  new  men  from  Gen.  Buell's  command. 
Gen.  IJeauregard  was  compelled  to  order  his  troops  to  i'all  back,  and  in 
BO  doing,  for  want  of  transportation,  we  were  compelled  to  abandon 
much  of  our  spoil  and  of  the  substantial  fruits  of  our  victory,  saving 
only  fourteen  cannon. 

The  events  of  l)()th  days  were  considorcd  a  thorough  victory.  It 
was  simply  impossible  to  essay  more  than  what  had  already  been  accom- 
plished by  our  army,  to  drive  the  enemy  to  the  river. 

The  personal  conduct  of  our  Generals  in  this  })attle  was  beyond 
all  praise.  Gen.  Johnston  fell  gloriously  on  the  field,  leading  a  com- 
mand in  the  thickest  of  the  fight.  (Jen.  IJeauregard,  covered  with 
du.st  and  perspiration,  never  ceased  to  lead  in  person  and  address  words 
of  encouragement  to  his  troops.  (Jen.  Polk  freely  exposed  his  person, 
and  displayed  great  coolness.  Gens.  Hardee  and  Bragg  were  the  life 
and  soul  of  the  attacking  party.  Gen.  Gladden  had  his  left  arm  shot 
off,  and  died  sluirtly  afterwards.  (Jen.  lireekinridgc  displayed  great 
military  tact  and  daring,  and  all  the  other  (Ji-norals  were  active  and 
fearless.  The  enemy's  loss  was  nearly  doul)le  that  of  our  army.  The 
result  was  the  (h-iving  of  the  enemy  from  their  camp  and  the  saving 
of  Corinth,  the  capture  of  artillery,  more  than  twenty-five  flags  an(^ 
standards,  and  over  3,000  prisoners. 


FORT    PULASKI.  59 

The  loud  artillery  shook  the  earth,  the  wood 
Seem'd  to  forego  its  dreamy  solitude. 
On,  on — brave  Johnston  gallops  to  the  van. 
His  flashing  eye  is  turned  on  every  man ; 
His  sword  plays  with  the  radiance  of  the  sun. 
And,  as  it  glitters,  lights  you,  Southrons,  on ! 
But,  see — he  falls — mourn,  widow'd  nation,  mourn. 
The  noblest  chieftain  of  the  wars  has  gone ! 
But  proudly  beams  his  eye  in  death — he  sees 
The  stars  and  stripes  receding  in  the  breeze. 

The  day 's  our  own — their  camp  is  our  reward, 
Our  leader  now  the  c;allaut  Beaure2:ard. 
With  the  next  sun  the  struggle  was  renew'd. 
The  enemy  came  up  in  angry  mood. 
Bent  on  regaining  all  that  had  been  lost. 
And  driving  back  our  men  at  every  cost. 
Stubborn  the  fight,  and,  when  the  sun  went  down. 
Each  army  held  its  ground  and  claim'd  the  crown. 
Thus  ended  Shiloh's  long  and  bloody  fray — 
Corinth  was  free — the  foe  was  kept  at  bay. 


Pulaski  fought  as  long  as  guns  were  left* 

To  scatter  death  amid  th'  invading  foe ; 
A  thousand  shells  her  mighty  bastions  reft, 

And  laid  her  flag  and  brave  defenders  low. 

*  Fort  Pulaski,  after  a  gallant  resistance,  surrendered  to  the  Federals 
on  the  11th  April.  The  surrender  was  unconditional.  Seven  large 
breaches  were  made  in  the  South  wall  of  the  fort  by  a  battery  of  eight 
Parrott  guns  at  King's  Landing.  Nearly  1,000  shells  were  thrown  into 
the  fort  before  it  struck. 


60  NKW    (JKLEANS. 

And  then,  at  South  Mills  in  the  old  North  State,* 
The  gallant  Wriirht  sent  back  the  plundering  horde; 

Many  there  met  a  skulking  felon's  fate 
By  bayonet,  bullet,  cannon  shot  or  sword. 

Proud  New  Orleans,  the  mart  of  Southern  trade,-|- 

Had  long  been  held  in  strict  and  close  blockade. 

The  hostile  ships  closed  in.     The  sun  was  high 

AVhen  Jackson  spoke  and  shook  the  vaulted  sky. 

St.  Phillip,  too,  was  wreath'd  in  clouds  of  smoke 

And  jets  of  flame;  but  soon  the  stunning  shock 

Of  thunder  claps  responded  to  the  roar, 

Myriads  of  shot  flew  over  sea  and  shore. 

*  A  brilliant  affair  took  place  at  South  Mills,  N.  C,  on  the  19th 
April,  in  which  the  Confederates  were  victorious.  Col.  Wrijrht  com- 
manded our  forces,  and,  having  heard  that  the  Federals  in  force  of  up- 
wards of  5,0U0  had  landed  on  the  night  previous,  hurried  iorward  with 
three  companies  of  infantry,  an  artillery  company  and  one  company  of 
cavalry,  and  attacked  them;  leaving  many  of  their  dead  and  wounded 
upon  the  field,  estimated  at  between  300  and  500.  Our  loss  was  12 
killed  and  oO  wounded. 

f  The  city  of  Xcw  Orleans  had  long  been  closely  blockaded  by  a 
powerful  Federal  squadron  of  frigates,  gunboats  and  transports.  On 
the  morning  of  the  24th  April  this  fleet  moved  up  the  river  towards 
Fort  Jackson,  which  withstood  an  immense  cannonading.  During  the 
night  two  gunhoat^s  passed  up  along  the  line  of  continuous  entrench- 
ments and  batteries,  and  suddenly  appeared  before  the  city.  Com- 
mander Farragut  demanded  an  immediate  surren<ler;  Gen.  Lovell 
refused,  but  evacuated  the  city  with  his  troops,  falling  back  to  Camp 
jMoore,  leaving  the  city  under  the  protection  ol  the  Foreign  J^egion.  All 
the  cotton  and  stores  which  could  not  be  removed,  were  destroyed.  The 
iron-olad  steamer  Mississippi  was  al.-^o  burnt  on  the  stocks  in  order  to 
prevent  her  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 

Inimediately  alter  the  fall  of  New  Orleans,  Forts  Jackson  and  St. 
Phillip  surrendered  after  a  stubborn  resistance.  The  forts  on  Lake 
ronchartrain  were  also  disbanded  and  evacuated.  This  mysterious 
aflair  struck  the  people  with  astonishmgnt,  and  many  doubts  were 
expressed  as  to  the  loyalty  of,  at  least,  one  of  the  leading  charactisrs ; 
for  it  was  known  that  the  people  of  the  gallant  Crescent  City  rested  in 
aecurity,  believing  the  approaches  to  their  homes  insurmountable. 


BUxLER,  THE   BEAST.  "  61 

The  squadron  hiirl'd  an  avalanche  of  shells, 
Each,  like  a  dragon,  thro'  the  welkin  yells; 
Resistance  were  in  vain — batter'd  and  worn. 
The  hush'd  guns  told  the  foe  their  strength  was  gone. 

The  fleet  pass'd  up  the  stream;  the  city  spires 
Were  lighted  up  by  skyward  flashing  fires ; 
Mountains  of  cotton,  touch'd  by  flaming  brand 
To  ashes  turn'd — the  Yankee's  contraband. 
The  city  fell — but,  firm  and  lo^^al  still. 
Proudly  the  people  scoff 'd  a  tyrant's  will. 
Butler,  "  the  beast,"  ruled  with  despotic  power,* 
But  no  one  knelt — all  were  too  proud  to  cower. 
Brave  chieftain  he  !  with  bayonets  around. 
He  warr'd  on  women — made  the  world  resound 
'With  curses  on  the  wretch  whose  edict  placed 
The  virtuous  maid  with  those  by  lust  disgraced; 
Who  hung  the  man  that  nobly  tore  away 
The  bloody  flag  that  shamed  the  light  of  day.f 
Foul  offspring  of  a  Puritanic  race! 
Hath  Shame  no  blush  to  ny,htle  o'er  thy  face? 
What  subtle  demon,  leaniEn|  at  thy  side. 

Whispers  to  thee — "'Tis  flii'1:hy  country's  pride?" 

/■' 
: ^r  ,1 


*Onc  of  the  first  acts  of  Gcn^-'tliYl"*,  on  taking  the  reins  of  des- 
potic power,  vras  to  issue  an  oriJt,  •'which  called  down  the  hearty  con- 
demnation of  all  christian  natic  s.  In  this  order  he  placed  the  ladies 
of  New  Orleans  on  the  footing"^  rjnjmon  harlots,  and  gave  his  myr- 
midons full  license  to  treat  tho-g/as  such. 

t  Subsequently  he  ordered  He  hanging  of  Col.  Muraford,  on  the 
oharfre  of  having  aided  in  the  heinous  crime  of  tearing  down  the  usurp- 
ing flag  of  the  United  States. 


62  '  WILLIAMSBURG. 

Then  fell  Fort  Macon ;  to  the  last  her  braves  * 
Plied  at  their  guns,  resisting  steel-clad  boats 
And  armed  hosts,  who  sought  for  Southeni  graves 

Diiir  i'or  them  by  our  balls  from  iron  throats. 
At  Williamsburg  McClellan's  monster  force f 
Attack'd  our  Johnston — infiintry  and  horse, 
With  brazen  batteries,  came  thundering  down 
Toward  our  works  before  the  classic  town. 
Twice  had  we  made  them  fly;  the  Vermont  churls 
Had  felt'the  bolt  a  Southern  patriot  hurls; 
Dam  numl^er  two  a  bloody  tale  can  tell 
Of  "Mountain  boys"  M'ho  in  that  strugnle  fell. 
Horse  leapt  to  horse — gun  (|uick  replied  to  gun ; 
Like  bursting  clouds,  the  nimble  lightning  run 

*  On  Friday,  25th  April,  Fort  Macon,  on  the  North  Carolina  coast, 
near  Xcwbern,  after  a  boinbardinent  from  the  enemy's  land  batteries  of 
ten  and  a  half  hours,  surrendered.  The  ^^arrison  were  allowed  the 
honors  of  war,  the  officers  retainin<;  their  side-arms,  and  all  the  men 
paroled.  Seven  men  were  killed  and  eiirhtcen  wounded,  two  mortally. 
The  enemy's  loss  wa.s  not  known. 

t  On  the  4th  and  r»th  May,  a  blociq'^'.eniragenient  took  place  near  Wil- 
liam.sbur<;,  Va.,  in  which  the  enoii  "^'ere  repulsed  with  heavy  loss  in 
killed  and  wounded.  They  also  lost  t^'Jilve  pieces  of  artillery  and  500  pris- 
oners.    The  fight  on  the  5th  lastof^     x)m  7  o'clock  to  11  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Several  severe  skirmishes  j)rccedd?J^this  important  battle;  they  were 
conse(|ueht  to  the  retreat  of  our'''.rmy  under  Johnston  from  the 
entrenchments  at  Vorktuwn,  which  ".was  considered  politic  to  evac- 
uate. The  skirmish  at  Ham  N6;  T  J^  \  sanc^uine  in  the  extreme,  two 
Vermont  rei^iments  havinir  been  cniit  *V  cut  to  j>ieces.  The  details  of 
the  battle  jrive  much  credit  to  the  ti^"ips  uf  (Jeoriria  and  iiOuisiana. 
(Jen.  .McClellan  led  tlie  iiivadinc;  flw-^^^  .ind  acknuwledi^od  a  heavy  loss 
in  officers  and  men,  thoULfh,  as  is  his  ^'  .torn,  he  makes  a  defeat  a  vic- 
tory. Our  loss  was  heavy,  and  Virgi,**la  haa  to  uuiurn  the  death  of 
many  of  her  bravest  sons.  ,^ 

Among  our  killed  were  Gen.  Early,  Col.  Mort,  Col.  Ward,  Major 
Wm.  H.  Palmer  and  Captain  Jack  Humphreys.  The  1st  Virginia 
regiment  Avas  badly  cut  up.  Out  <•/'  200  men  in  the  fight,  some  80  or 
90  were  reported  killed  and  wounded. 


WILLIAMSBURG.  *     63 

In  livid  shafts  along  the  clashing  lines, 

While  shell  tore  up  the  earth  like  bursting  mines. 

For  hours  the  stubborn  conflict  raged — at  length 
The  charges  of  our,  men — their  fire — their ,  strength — 
Push'd  back  the  foe,  they  waver'd — broke — they  fled, 
Leaving  the  held  encuraber'd  with  their  dead. 
It  was  a  fearful  strife — a  strife  of  blood, 
Where  desperate  patriots  like  a  bulwark  stood 
Defending  their  homes,  their  lov'd  ones  from  a  foe 
That  gloated  o'er  the  blood  they  caus'd  to  flow. 
Oh^  triumph  dearly  won  !  Many  a  brave 
On  that  red  field  hath  found  a  hero's  grave; 
Many  a  son,  a  husband,  brother  dear, 
Sigh'd  out  his  life,  no  friend  his  couch  to  cheer. 
Our  gallant  Early  fell — a  patriot  true, 
Mort  breath'd  his  last  with  victory  in  view. 
Ward,  Palmer,  Humphreys,  sigh'd  their  latest  sigh,' 
And  taught  their  sorrowing  comrades  how  to  die. 

At  Sutlington  our  knotty  Jackson  dealt 
A  blow  severel}'  by  the  Yankees  felt;* 
He  drove  them  back  from  hill  to  marsh  and  wood, 
And  made  them  read  their  errors  in  their  blood. 

Press'd  by  invading  hordes,  or  some  such  cause, 
(Hist'ry  may  tell  us  what  the  reason  was,) 


*  On  the  8th  May  Jackson's  advance  forces  enpiged  the  enemy  on 
SutlinL'ton  ITill,  near  McDowell.  After  four  hours  hard  fighting,  he 
completely  routed  and  drove  thcni  from  all  point?.  Our  loss  was  about 
800  killed  and  wounded.  Col.  Gibbons  was  killed.  The  enemy  suf- 
fered severely. 


64  THE    VIRGIXIA. 

Our  troops  abandon'd  Norfolk  to  her  liite,* 
Aud  Portsmouth  too — so  fortified  of  late. 
All  the  stout  batteries,  where  erst  they  stood 
Guarding  the.  quiet  city  and  the  flood ; 
Gosport,  with  all  its  works,  destroy'd  or  burn'd. 
Its  busy  shops  to  desolation  turn'd. 
Then,  as  if  panic  howl'd  upon  the  air, 
The  great  Virginia,  wandering  in  despair,*]* 
No  port  of  safety,  plow'd  the  river  waves. 
Silent  above  her  former  victims'  graves. 
'T  was  so  decreed;  her  ^hot-proof  hull  was  ftr'd, 

Her  da}'  of  glory  now  had  pass'd  away ; 
With  one  loud  blast  the  gallant  ship  expir'd, 

She  sunk,  and  left  nought  but  the  moaning  spray. 
Glory  too  brief — utilit}'^  scarce  tried — 
Reigning  a  day  the  monarch  of  the  tide. 


*0n  the  11th  May  the  cities  of  Norfolk  and  Portsmonth,  tofrether 
with  the  Gosport  Navy  Yard,  were  evacuated  by  the  Conroderate  forces, 
under  Gen.  Ilugcr,  tlie  latter  being  for  the  second  time  destroyed. 
Eight  or  ten  Marylanders,  under  command  of  Lieut.  Spotswood,  effec- 
tively fired  and  destroyed  the  yard.  'J'hey  destroyed  every  pound 
of  cotton  and  tobacco  they  could  find  in  Portsmouth.  They  also  burnt 
all  the  steamers  and  sailing  vessels  in  both  ports. 

f  This  splendid  specimen  of  naval  architecture,  a  tower  of  strength 
in  herself,  aud  wiiich,  it  was  hoped,  would  contest  the  «'ntrance  of  the 
enemy's  gunboats  into  the  mouth  of  Ja'nes  llivcr,  was  destroyed  imme- 
diately alter  the  evacuation  of  Norfolk.  Orders  were  received  by  her 
commander,  Capt.  Tatnall,  to  run  her  up  James  Hivor,  if  jtracticable; 
and  if  not  to  evacuate  and  blow  her  up.  It  wa.s  found  that  her  draught 
was  too  great  to  carry  her  to  City  Point.  She  was  consequently  light- 
ened, her  sides  being  thus  exposed,  she  was  unfitted  for  battle.  She 
was,  therefore  beached  near  Craney  Island,  anti  the  torch  applied.  The 
explosion  of  her  magazine  was  distinctly  heard  -i)  miles  off.  Captain 
Tatnall  afterwards  demanded  a  court  of  en(|uiry  and  waa  acquitted. 


drury's  bluff.  65 

Up  the  Jaipes  river  crept  a  hostile  fleet,* 

For  Eichmond,  ho !  they  shouted  as  they  sped ; 
They  little  dream'd  resistance  they  should  meet, 

From  rebel  guns  with  pills  of  moulded  lead. 
Shelling  the  shore  on  either  side,  they  stcam'd 
Slowly  along — their  pennons  gaily  streamed 
Over  the  glassy  flood — or  hid  in  smoke 
When  their  huge  guns  the  sleeping  echo  woke. 
Not  long  that  pageant  grand.     They  near'd  a  bluff 
Where  watch'd  a  band  made  up  of  knotty  stuff, 
Who  swore  to  check  them  on  their  pleasant  route. 
And  let  them  know  that  "rebels"  were  about. 
Boom !  and  a  thousand  echoes  swell  the  sound, 
Round  shot  and  shell  along  the  waters  bound ; 
The  proud  Galena  reels — her  hull's  on  fire, 
She  's  got  her  share,  and  now  she  may  retire. 
Crippled  they  leave  their  moorings,  glad  enough 
To  get  without  the  range  of  Drury's  Bluff. 
So,  Richmond  breathed  again — to  o-ankee  wit 
She  gave  full  time  some  other  plan  to  hit. 

Again  at  Giles  our  champions'  arms  prevailed,^ 
A  gallant  force  the  Yankee,  bands  assailed, 

*0n  the  15th  Maya  brilliant  affair  came  off  on  James  River.  The 
enemy's  gunboats  advanced  towards  llichmond,  and  were  repulsed  by 
the  Confederate  prunners  at  Drury's  IMuff — named  by  the  Yankees 
Fort  Darling.  The  Monitor  and  Galena  were  the  leading  boats,  the 
latter  was  much  damaged  by  our  guns,  and  had  to  withdraw  from  the 
conflict.  Our  sharp-shooters  also  did  effective  service,  picking  off 
every  man  who  showed  himself.  The  enemy  retired,  convinced  that 
they  could  not  reach  the  capital  by  that  route.  We  had  seven  killed, 
among  them  Midshipman  Carroll,  and  eight  wounded. 

I  On  i^Iay  11th  an  affair  took  place  at  Giles  Court  House,  Va.     Gen. 
Heth,  with  1,500  infantry,  2  guns,  one  24  pound  howitzer,  4  mountain 
9 


66  GILES — SANTA    FE. 

Drove  them,  afriglit,  o'er  many  a  weary  milo, 
Then  left  their  thieving  squads  to  rest  awhile; 
While  at  far  Sante  Fe  our  forces  proved* 
Their  pow'r  to  shield  the  cause  they  dearly  loved. 

The  stout  guerilla,  on  his  bounding  steed, 
Rode  thro"  the  land  all  fearful  in  his  speed; 
His  rifle's  crack  was  heard  in  darksome  wood, 
His  course  was  traced  by  streaks  of  foemen's  blood. 
The  denizens  of  villages,  with  fright 
Look'd  trembling  thro'  the  shadow  of  the  night; 
And,  when  the  clattering  of  a  hoof  wa8  heard, 
They  couch'd  with  fear  and  utter'd  not  a  word. 
"  Vengeance  "  the  motto  of  these  daring  men, 
Their  homes  were  burnt,  they  now  dwelt  in  the  glen. 

Who  has  not  heard  of  gallant  Morgan — lie  f 
Who  swore  to  make  his  home,  Kentucky,  free? 


howitzers  and  a  compstfiy  of  cavalry,  started  from  Shannon  Gap  to 
attack  the  enemy.  On  .vouching  the  Court  House  tlicy  opened  with 
shot  and  shell  for  half  aniiour,  when  the  enemy  fled,  and  were  pursued 
six  miles  to  Wolf  Gap.  Our  loss  was  one  killed  iind,  four  wounded.  The 
enem'y,  it  is  said,  carried  off  ten  wa<^on  loads  of  killed  and  wounded. 

*  After  the  battle  of  Valverde,  Gen.  Sibley  pushed  on  and  occupied 
northern  New  Mexico,  including  Santa  Fe.  lie  took  Santa  Fe  on  tho 
15th  March,  and  established  his  head(|Uartcrs  there.  On  taking  pos- 
eession  he  raised  the  ('onfederate  flag,  made  of  a  captured  I'liited  States 
flag,  on  the  Federal  flagstafl",  had  a  salute  lired  ironi  the  captured  Fed- 
eral battery,  and  Dixie  played  on  the  instruments  of  a  captured  United 
States  band. 

Shortly  after  the  occupation  of  Santa  Fe  the  great  battle  of  (Jlorietta 
took  place,  in  which  the  Confederates  were  victorious,  the  enemy  suf- 
fering, a  loss  of  700  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 

f  Col.  John  Morgan  was  the  terror  of  the  enemy  during  the  war. 
He  seemed  to  be  omnipresent — and  no  one  knew  his  whereabouts,  until 
they  heard  the  cry  of  his  fearless  horsemen  amid  the  crackling  of 
flames  and  the  roar  of  fire-arms.     He  swore  to  redeem  Kentucky,  and 


FRONT    ROYAL.  .    67 

Go  where  the  wild  deer  loves,  secure,  to  roam, 
Where  erst  the  red  man  built  Ijiis  leafy  home ; 
There  the  ag  d  hunter  will  relate  the  tales 
He  'd  often  heard  of  steeds  that  flew  on  gales. 
And  phantom  horsemen,  arm'd  with  blades  of  firej 
Who  fell  on  cities  with  consuming  ire ; 
Laid  waste  to  camps  where  hated  Hessians  slept. 
And  shouted  wild  as  thro'  their  ranks  their  swept. 
Morgan 's  no  myth — nor  Scott — nor  Ashby  bold. 
Free  fighters  they,  like  patriots  of  old. 

Again  the  wily  Jackson  trapp'd  the  foe,* 
And  at  Front  Royal  laid  his  standard  low, 
Captur'd  his  stores,  his  ammunition,  men. 
And  made  the  boaster  Banks  tramp  back  again 

for  that  purpose  gathered  a  band  of  dauntless  men,  with  whom  he 
swept  over  the  country  and  destroyed  everything  that  might  give  aid 
or  comfort  to  the  invaders.  Bridges  and  trains  were  burned,  arms 
secured,  stores  and  munitions  destroyed,  and  even  cities  threatened. 

Scott  is  also  another  hero  of  the  same  class ;  he  with  his  gallant  band 
of  partizans,  performed  many  daring  exploits.  He  would  attack  any 
force,  scarcely  stopping  to  ask  its  numbers.  Ilis  exploits  on  the  road 
between  Tuscumbia  and  Athens  were  as  brilliant  as  any  on  record. 

Col.  Ashby,  of  Virginia,  was  likewise  celebrated  for  his  daring  feats 
as  an  independent  fighter.  His  untimely  death  was  mourned  by  the 
entire  army,  and  the  people  felt  that  they  had  lost  a  brave  defender  and 
a  stern  avenger. 

*  A  great  victory  was  achieved  by  Gen.  Jackson  over  the  Federal 
forces  under  Gen.  Fremont  at  Front  Royal,  Va.  One  section  of  artil- 
lery and  many  prisoners  were  captured.  On  the  next  day  Gen.  Banks' 
main   column,  whil.st   retreating  from    Strasburg  to  Winchester,  was 

})ierccd,  the  rear  part  retreating  towards  Stra.sburg,  and  on  the  fol- 
owing  day  the  other  part  was  routed  at  Winchester.  Brig.  Gen.  Geo. 
II.  Stewart  with  his  cavalry  and  artillery  pursued  the  flying  enemy, 
capturing  many  prisoners,  and  penetrating  into  Maryland.  A  large 
amount  of  medical,  ordnance  and  other  stores  fell  into  our  hands. 


08   ,  LEWISbURG. 

Thro'  Winchester,  Avith  honors  closely  shorn, 
Onward  toward  his  friends  at  Washington. 
The  gallant  Stewart,  with  his  troopers  brave 
Pursued  the  racers  to  Potomac's  wave, 
Pass'd  into  Maryland — ^gave  three  loud  cheers, 
And  made  the  Cabinet  tremble  with  their  feare. 

At  Lewisburg,  Hetli  with  a  meagre  band  * 
Put  Cox  to  tlight  with  thousands  at  command. 
Here  Edgar  fell  and  gallant  Thompson  too. 
Both  dauntless  men  and  to  their  country  true. 
And  then  at  Hanover  our  men  attack'd  f 
A  Yankee  force  by  proud  McClellan  back'd. 
The  fight  was  hard;  our  brigade  under  Branch, 
Contested  every  inch  with  foemen  staunch; 
Five  hundred  fell  with  feet  toward  the  foe — 
The  field  was  lost — our  flag  was  stricken  low. 

*  The  battle  of  Lewisbur{»,  Va.,  took  place  on  the  24th  May  in  the 
streets  of  the  town.  Our  forces  were  under  the  command  of  General 
lieth,  and  numbered  about  1,800.  The  enemy's  forces  numbered 
between  ;')  and  G,000.  They  were  driven  from  two  positions,  and  then, 
reinforced,  gained  a  position  in  Heth's  rear,  which  compelled  him  to 
fall  back,  which  was  done  in  good  order,  across  (ireenbricr  River,  the 
bridge  over  which  they  burnt.  The  Confederates  took  7'»  jirisuners, 
and  lost  none  of  their  own  except  the  wounded,  which  were  Icl't  in  the 
hands  of  the  enemy.  Major  Edgar,  of  Monroe,  waa  killed,  also  Capt. 
Thompson.     Total  casualties  200. 

•j"  A  severe  fight  occurred  at  Hanover  Court  House,  Va.,  on  the  27th 
May,  which  resulted  in  disa.ster  to  the  XTonfederates.  Our  forces  were 
mostly  composed  of  North  Carolina  troops  and  one  regiment  of  Creor- 
gia,  under  command  of  (len.  Jkanch.  After  a  hard  tight  of  two  hours 
duration,  our  forces  wore  driven  back,  a  portion  of  them  being  badly 
cut  to  pieces.  The  enemy  took  pos.'^e.ssion  «if  the  railroad  between 
Hanover  Junction  and  Ashland,  ^\'e  had  only  liatham's  field  battery 
in  use,  two  of  the  guns  were  abandoned  on  the  field.  Our  loss  was 
variously  estimated  from  500  to  1^000. 


"never  despair."  69 

An  old  man  stood  upon  the  battle  field 

When  all  was  still,  save  dying  warriors'  groans ; 
The  lips  of  many  a  gallant  youth  were  seal'd, 

While  there  lay  gaping  flesh  and  shatter'd  bones 
In  dread  array;  skulls  riven,  limbs  torn  apart,    ^ 

And  glassy  eyes  that  told  of  madden'd  brain ; 
While  some  would  on  a  pool  their  glances  dart. 

And  cry  for  "water!"  o'er  and  o'er  again. 
A  sorrowing  youth  spoke  out  to  that  old  sire 

Who  mused  and  ran  his  fingers  thro'  his  hair, 
"Our  cause  is  lost,  soon  will  the  flame  expire, 

.  Nought  have  we  now  but  sorrow  and  despair." 
The  vet'ran  stood  erect,  with  haughty  pride 
He  scann'd  the  doubting  youth,  and  thus  replied : 

Tho'  our  roofs  be  on  fire,  tho'  our  rivers  run  blood, 
Tho'  their  flag 'son  the  hill,  on  the  plain,  on  the  flood; 
Tho'  their  bayonets  bristle  and  shots  rend  the  air. 
Faint  heart !  do  not  utter  the  cry  of  despair. 

The  red  moon  looks  down  on  the  field  of  the  slain. 
The  gaunt  vulture  soars  o'er  the  desolate  plain; 
By  the  lov'd  ones  that,  mantled  in  glory,  lie  there. 
Arouse  from  thy  stupor  and  never  despair! 

We  have  mountains  that  lift  their  gray  peaks  to  the  skies. 
We  have  rifles  whose  crack  to  the  war-yell  replies; 
We  have  sinewy  arms,  we  have  souls  that  will  dare, 
WJiile  these  are  our  safeguards,  why,  doubter,  despair? 

The  great  God  is  just,  and  he  blesses  the  right, 
He  makes  the  weak  rise  like  a  giant  in  might; 


70  BATTLE   OF    SEVEN    PINES. 

When  he  strikes  for  his  home  and  the  tender  ones  there, 
There  's  hope  in  each  blow,  there  is  shame  in  despair ! 

Then,  shoulder  to  .shoulder,  push  on  with  a  tread 
That  will  shake  the  loose  earth  that  is  hcap'd  o'er  the 

•    dead ; 
Bear  the  torch  and  the  sword  to  the  proud  tyrant's  lair, 
Let  the  wild  battle  shout  drown  the  wail  of  despair. 

Despair — while  the  old  man  can  flourish  his  staff. 
Despair — while  the  boy  at  th'  invader  can  lauLdi; 
Despair — wliilc  our  daughters  and  wives  kneel  in  prayer, 
And   our   mothers   scream    out  "don't   despair — don't 
despair!" 

Go,  preach  to  the  rock  on  the  lone  ocean  shore, 

And  tell  it  to  battle  the  billows  no  more; 

While  there 's  life,  there  is   hope — for  the   death-blow 

prepare, 
It  is  glorious  to  battle — it  is  base  to  despair. 

The  grandest  army  of  the  Northern  power, 

Equipp'd  in  splendor,  caparison'd  complete. 
Led  by  the  "  Young  Napoleon  " — a  tower 

Of  strength — a  polished  chief  from  head  to  feet, 
Came  thundering  down  on  Richmond's  cai)itol, 
Thro'  miry  road  and  over  sandy  knoll ; 
Banners  of  stars  and  stripes  stream'd  in  the  air. 
And  braying  trumpets  made  the  buzzards  stare, 
While  saxe-horn,  trombone,  ophicleide  and  drum, 
Proclaim'd  aloud  in  sweUing  tones,  "We  come!" 


CHICKAHOMINT.  71 

This  monster  army,  full  of  pride  and  pomp, 
At  night  cross'd  o'er  a  dark  and  dismal  swamp,* 
Threw  up  their  works — reserves  were  at  their  back. 
And  then  received  the  daring  Hill's  attack. 


*  McClellan's  first  object  on  crossing  the  Chickahominy  on  his  road 
to  Richmond,  31st  May,  was  to  throw  up  entrenchments  of  fallen  trees, 
turf,  &c.,  near  Barker's  farm.  Our  forces  under  Gen.  Johnston, 
attacked  them  at  that  point;  Gen.  Hill's  division  led  the  advance,  sup- 
ported by  Gen.  Longstreet.  With  this  disposition  commenced  the  battle 
of  "  Seven  Pines."  Featherstone's  brigade  led  the  advance.  It  was 
commanded  on  the  occasion  by  Col.  Anderson,  the  General  being  ill. 
Garland's  brigade  commenced  the  attack  on  the  left,  and  in  a  few 
moments  the  engagement  became  general.  After  two  hours  fighting 
the  Federals  were  driven  from  their  camps.  Our  artillery  then  opened 
and  made  sad  havoc  among  their  ranks.  The  4th  North  Carolina,  out 
of  29  officers,  had  four  killed  and  nineteen  wounded.  Capt.  Bacon,  of 
the  27th  Georgia,  was  killed. 

The  6th  Alabama,  6th  Georgia  and  23d  Georgia  suffered  severely ; 
the  6th  Alabama  being  nearly  decimated.  The  6th  Georgia  lost  lUO 
out  of  500  men  they  took  into  the  field. 

Later  in  the  day  Gen.  Longstreet's  division  came  into  the  fight. 
Although  heavily  reinforced,  the  enemy  were  charged  by  the  combined 
forces  of  Longstreet  and  Hill,  and  driven  ofi"  the  field,  our  men  taking 
possession  of  their  camps  and  fortifications. 

Gen.  Whiting,  while  endeavoring  to  get  in  the  rear  of  the  enemy, 
was  attacked  on  the  left  flank  by  an  overwhelming  force,  causing  him  to 
change  front,  and  engage  in  a  severe  and  bloody  contest.  Hampton's 
Legion  lost  in  killed  and  wounded  over  one-half  its  numbers.  The 
charge  of  this  body  of  men  was  gallant  and  daring  beyond  all  descrip- 
tion. Col.  Wade  Hampton  wa.s  slightly  wounded,  and  Dr.  E.  S.  Gail- 
lard  lost  an  atm.  Col.  Giles,  of  the  5th  South  Carolina,  was  killed ; 
also  Col.  Lightfoot,  of  tlje  22d  North  Carolina. 

On  the  right,  during  the  night.  Gens.  Hill  and  Longstreet  were  rein- 
forced by  Hugcr's  division.  The  enemy  were  also  largely  reinforced. 
Early  in  the  morning  the  fight  was  renewed.  Pryor's,  Picket's  and 
*  Wilcox's  brigades  stood  well  up  to  the  front,  and  were  badly jTut  up, 
particularly  the  8th  and  14th  Alabama.  I^Lihone  also  came  upon  the 
field  in  good  time,  fought  hard  and  lost  many  men  ;  one  Alabama  regi- 
ment alone  lost  one  hundred  and  ninety-six,  killed  and  wounded. 

In  this  battle  the  losses  on  both  sides  were  terrible,  shewing  the  deter- 
mined resistance  of  the  ConfcdcratCB  to  the  approach  of  the  "  Young 
Napoleon  "  to  their  Capital. 


72  T'OHT    KErUBLIC. 

Not  quite  content  to  have  so  many  guests, 
To  pusli  tliem  back  our  gep'rals  thought  it  best; 
Hot  shot,  cold  steel,  dsed  freely  by  our  braves,    . 
Gave  the  proud  foe  a  treat  to  Southern  graves. 
Fiercely  the  tight  went  on;  Longstrect  was  there, 

And  Anderson,  and  dauntless  Johnston  too; 
Jenkins  who  "knew  his  boys"  was  everywhere, 

Walton  the  brave — Whiting  the  staunch  and  true. 
When  morning  came  the  struggle  was  renew'd. 
The  fiery  Pryor  the  show'r  of  bullets  stood 
Till  order'd  back.     Picket  sustain'd  the  shock 
Till  Mahone  came,  as  firmly  as  a  rock. 
Long  hours  of  slaughter  'mid  a  noonday's  sun. 
Both  armies  stood,  and  not  an  inch  was  won; 
The  foe  was  check'd,  but  sad  the  tale  to  tell, 
Bacon  and  Giles,  two  gallant  soldiers,  fell; 
Ilatton  and  Lightfoot  also  breathed  their  last, 
To  be  renowned  in  stories  of  the  past. 

All  honor  to  the  gallant  men  who  fought 

At  Port  Republic  under  Jackson's  lead,'-'  • 


*  On  June  0th  Gen.  Ewell's  command,  with  a  part  of  Jnokson's, 
attacked  Fremont  near  Cross  Ki'ys,  fiye  mijcs  from  l*ort  lU-puhlic. 
Fremont  was  repulsed  with  considerable  loss.  On  the  ne.\t  d;iy  .lack- 
son  crossed  the  north  brancli  of  the  Shenandoah,  above  I'ort  Hepublic, 
and  burnt  the  bridjre.  He  then  went  in  pursuit  of  Shields,  who  was 
encamped  at  Jjowistuwn,  two  miles  below  Fort  llepiiMie,  on  the  east 
side  of  the  Shenandoah.  JIc  attacked  him  at  sunrise,  and,  ailer  a 
terrible  battle  of  four  hours,  eoniplitely  routed  bini,  capturing  six 
pieces  of  artillery  (all  Shields  had)  and  a  number  ol"  prisoners.  The 
rout  was  as  complete  as  in  the  case  of  JJanks.  Siiicjds  had4l,000  men, 
and  Jack.son  about  the  sauie  number.  Fremont  was  reiiil'orceil,  and  on 
the  same  day  appeared  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Shenandoah,  but  could 
not  get  over  to  aid  Shields,  as  the  bridge  liad  leen  burnt. 


Stuart's  expedition.  73 

Sustain'd  by  Ewell,  Taylor — chiefs  who  ought 

To  know  the  foeman's  strength — or  speed. 
A  briUiant  fight — charge  upon  charge  was  made, 
Squadrons  assailed,  contending  blade  to  blade. 
Hundreds  fell  grappling  in  uncertain  strife, 
Holding  the  vict'ry  dearer  than  their  life. 
For  hours  the  conflict  raged,  till  Shields  gave  way, 
And  "Stonewall"  once  more  won  a  glorious  day. 
Anon,  the  hero  turn'd  ^is  sinewy  arm 
Toward  Fremont — he  :  fame  down  like  a  storm ; 
Sent  the  scar'd  traitor,  like  a  beaten  cur, 
Not  back  to  Mariposa- -Winchester ! 

Stuart,  Virginia's  pride,  with  his  brigade 
Performed  a  gallant  feat,  some  call  it  raid,* 
Bej^ond  McClellan's  lines  in  front  of  Lee, 
A  polish'd  son  of  Southern  chivalry. 

*  A  military  manoeuvre  unparalleled  in  the  history  of  war  was  accom- 
plished about  this  time.  In  brilliancy  and  success  it  eclipsed  the 
dashing  exploits  of  Morgan,  Ashhy,  Scott  or  G.  II.  Stewart. 

On  the  12th  June,  Gen.  J.  E.  B.  Stuart,  with  the  1st  and  9th 
regiments  of  Virginia  cavalry,  under  Col.  Lee,  one  regiment  from  the 
Jeff  Davis  Legion,  under  Col.  Martin,  the  cavalry  from  Cobb's  Legion, 
and  two  pieces  of  artillery,  set  out  from  Ashland  on  a  daring  and 
hazardous  adventure.  Pursuing  a  circuitous  route,  they  passed  the 
right  of  McClellan's  lines,  and,  on  the  following  morning,  fell  upon  a 
cavalry  encampment  at  Old  Church,  in  Hanover  County,  about  twelve 
miles  from  Richmond,  and  four  from  the  rear  of  the  main  forces  of  the 
enemy.  After  a  brief  contest,  the  Federal  cavalry,  consisting  of  two 
squadrons,  finely  mounted  and  equipped,  was  rogted,  and  175  taken 
prisoners,  the  remainder  fled,  leaving  tbeir  dead  and  wounded  on  the 
field;  their  encampment  was  also  taken,  with  a  large  amount  of  stores, 
which  were  burnt.  There  being  no  way  of  sending  the  prisoners  back 
to  Ashland,  their  only  resort  was  to  carry  them  on  with  them.  That 
evening  the  gallant  band,  consisting  in  all  of  about  2,. 500  men,  reached 
Hauovcrtown,  on  the  Pamunkey,  where  they  took  four  transports  by 
10 


74  STrART's  EXrElMTIOX. 

He  led  his  squadrons  bold  o'er  hill  and  dale. 

With  sabre  drawn  and  banner  in  the  gale, 

Round  to  the  Yankee's  rear  for  many  a  mile, 

Swept  over  gully,  stony  hill  and  stile. 

Capturing  scouts  and  pickets  everywhere, 

Destroying  camps  and  dealing  out  despair. 

Their  ride  from  Ashland  to  Pamunkey's  Hood 

Was  a  long  chain  of  victory  and  blood. 

They  burnt  three  transports  with'  their  heavy  freight. 

Attacked  the  train,  nwdc  camp  gi^unds  desolate; 

Then,  Mith  their  trophies  and  a  trumpet  strain. 

They  galloped  on  and  reached  tlii]^r  home  again. 

The  brave  Latane,  a  noble  captaioi,  fell 

And.  with  a  war-shout,  bade  the  world  farewell. 


surprise,  and  destroyed  three  (the  fourth  escaping)  with  their  contents, 
each  being  heavily  hidcn  with  army  sup])lic's.  They  continued  in  a 
south-eastern  direction,  and  reached  the  York  River  liailroad,  above 
the  White  lluuse,  in  tiuie  to  meet  the  train  coming  from  the  rear  of 
the  Federal  army  ;  and  as  it  ai>proafhcd,  they  fired  into  it,  killing,  it 
wa.s  believed,  the  engineer  and  fireman.  The  train  sped  on  at  an 
incredible  speed,  and  went  headlong  toward  the  I'amunkey.  After 
tearing  up  a  portion  of  the  railroad  track,  they  directed  their  line  of 
march  to  Charles  City  County,  and  began  their  homeward  circuit,  the 
enemy  in  jmrsuit.  Arriving  at  tlie  I'urd  over  the  Chickahominy,  they 
swam  the  river,  patched  up  an  old  bridge  and  passed  over  the  artillery, 
and  were  soon  out  of  danger.  They  arrived  in  llichmond  tlie  day 
following,  bringing  with  them  all  tlieir  prisoners,  about  2r)U  horses 
and  mules,  and  a  <|uantity  of  firc'-jirm.<  and  sabres.  They  only  lost 
one  man,  the  brave  ('apt.  JiUtane,  of  the  Essex  cavalry,  who  was 
killed  in  the  engagement  at  Old  Church,  wliere  also  two  men  were 
Wounded. 

Large  quantities  of  morphine,  opium  and  quinine,  were  taken  from 
the  Federal  hospitals.  It  was  estimated  that  at  least  one  million 
dollars  worth  of  stores,  wagons,  tents  and  other  property  were  destroyed. 
A  portion  of  the  4th  Virginia  cavalry  were  engaged  la  this  brilliant 
affair. 


JAMES   ISLAND.  75 

Now,  turn  we  to  James  Island,  where  the  foe  * 

Had  ladg'd  five  regiments  of  sturdy  men, 
Who  made  unhicky  haste  to  strike  a  blow, 

But  soon  found  out  they  'd  struck  a  tiger's  den. 
Our  dauntless  soldiers,  led  by  brave  Lamar, 
Charleston  behind — in  front  the  dogs  of  war. 
Stood  the  assault — rush'd  on  with  ardor  bold, 
And  gave  them  back  their  blows  a  hundred  fold. 
'T  was  a  hard  fight,  the  Highlanders  pour'd  in, 
Hot  as  their  fire,  with  shot  and  cannon's  din. 
But  vain  their  efforts,  like  sear  leaves  they  fall, 
And  there  repose  with  bonnets,  kilts  and  all. 
Vict'ry  was  ours — a  glorious  victory ; 
Again  shone  bright  our  star  of  destiny ! 
But,  mourn  we  Reed  and  King,  two  noble  braves. 
And  Edwards  too.     Plant  laurel  on  their  graves. 

McClellan's  army  met  a  bloody  check 
At  Williamsburg,  again  at  Seven  Pines ; 

*  On  the  16th  June  a  severe  battle  took  place  on  James  Island,  five 
miles  from  the  city  of  Charleston,  S.  C.  It  is  known  as  the  battle  of 
Seccssionvillc.  Five  regiments  of  Federals,  reinforced  by  artillery, 
attacked  the  batteries  at  Sccessionville.  Col.  Lamar  commanded  the 
Confederates,  and  with  a  few  hundred  troops,  repulsed  the  enemy 
three  times  with  great  slaughter.  The  Federals  fought  bravely — but 
were  defeated.  Our  loss,  as  near  as  could  be  obtained,  was  about  40 
killed  and  100  wounded,  that  of  the  enemy  by  far  heavier,  as  our  men 
buried  for  them  150  left  dead  on  the  field,  and  captured  about  70 
prisoners.  Col.  Lamar  was  wounded.  Captains  Kecd  and  King  and 
Lieut.  Edwards  were  killed.  The  Confederate  troops  engaged  were 
the  entire  regiment  irom  Charleston,  a  battalion  of  (he  47th  Georgia 
( Ilagood's  regiment),  Lamar'.s  battery,  and  a  detachment  of  the  Chat- 
ham Artillery,  of  Savannah.  Themo.st  conspicuous  regiment  among  the 
enemy,  and  the  onc^hat  suffered  mo.st,  was  thb  New  York  79th,  the 
Highlanders — they  were  badly  cut  up. 


76  BATTLE   OF   RICHMOND. 

And,  tlio'  he  conjurd  "victories"  from  the  wreck 

Of  batter'd  works  and  decimated  lines, 
He  learnt  a  lesson — saw  a  stubborn  foe 

Who'd  give  up  all  for  sacred  Liberty ; 
Before  their  wrath  his  power  liad  fallen  low. 

And  then  he  made  defeat  a  ''  strategy  !  " 
Rix;hmond,  the  goal  of  his  an\bitious  schemes,  . 

Was  still  unconquer'd;  there  his  brilliant  dreams 
Of  proud  success  concentered — there,  thought  he. 
He  'd  make  the  "  rebels  "  bend-  the  pliant  knee ; 
The  capital  of  the  Confederate  States, 
The  Rubicon  which  led  to  Gkry's  gates. 
But  Lee  had  plann'd,  and  Longstreet,  Jackson,  Hill. 
Endors'd  that  cunning  plan  with  right  good  w^ill ; 
The  cause  hung  on  the  issue  of  the  fight. 
In  God  our  trust,  he  would  protect  the  right. 

The  fra}'  commenced.     Steady  and  firm  the  tread 
Of  Southern  troops  as  up  the  hill  they  sped  * 

*  The  bloody  checks  which  the  Northern  army,  in  its  memorable 
advance  up  the  l*enin.«ula  toward  Riehniond,  h:ul  received  at  Williaiiis- 
burjr  and  Seven  I'incs,  had  tautrht  McClellan  the  desperate  character 
of  the  conflict,  without  which  he  could  never  hope  to  reach,  in  triuin])h, 
the  capital  of -the  Confederate  States.  The  importance  of  the  series  of 
Confederate  victories  will  be  acknowledged  by  historians,  and  as  a 
summary  of  the  war  may  here  prove  interesting,  1  will  engraft  one  in 
these  notes. 

A  Confederate  writer  (Clarke)  brought  hi.«  historyrlown  to  the  battle 
of  8hiloh,  and  gave  the  total  number  of  battles  up  to  April  8th,  1862, 
at  or\c  hnndrnl  mid  four  tern  ;  eighty-one  of  which  were  Confederate, 
and  thirty-three  Federal  victories.  1'he  losses  of  the  Confederates  in 
all  the  engagements,  sum  up  as  follows:  Killed  3,-42,  wounded  14,53U, 
captured  21,387.  The  Federal  loss  is  thus  stated:  Killed  12,023, 
wounded  20,43('»,  captured  14,279.  Recapitulation — total  number  of 
Confederates  killed,  wounded  and  ])risoncr8  .')!Mf>'.» ;  total  number  of 
Federals  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners,  4ti,72S.  Number  against  the 
Federals,  7,oG0.  The  largest  figures  atrainst  the  Federals  are  at  Shiloh, 
viz :  2,500  killed,  9,000  wounded,  and '3,700  captured. 


BATTLE   OF    RICHMOND.  77 

Toward  entrenchments  arm'd  on  every  side 
With  monster  guns  that  sent  a  plunging  tide 
Of  canister  and  shell  into  their  ranks, 
While  riflemen  from  pits  annoy'd  their  flanks. 
A  cloud  of  smoke  obscur'd  Mechanicsville — 
Onward,  still  onward,  led  by  fearless  Hill, 

Fort  Donelson  is  stated  thus:  Confederates,  killed  231,  wounded 
1,007,  captured  3,780.     Federals,  killed  1,200,  wounded  2,000. 

Island  No.  10  is  thus  stated  :  Confederates,  killed  3,  wounded  3,  cap- 
tured 5,000.     Fed.erals,  killed  160,  wounded  3,000. 

The  complex  character  of  the  movements  of  hoth  armies  in  front  of 
Richmond  on  the  three  days  preceding  the  great  victory  of  27th 
of  June,  renders  a  description  very  difficult  to  readers  who  are  not 
familiar  with  the  geography  of  the  country  occupied. 

On  Thursday,  June  2Gth,  at  3  o'clock,  Major  General  Jackson  took 
up  his  line  of  march  from  Ashland,  and  proceeding  down  the  country 
between  the  Chickahominy  and  Famunkey  Rivers,  he  uncovered  the 
front  of  Brig.  Gen.  Branch  by  driving  off  the  enemy  collected  on  the 
north  bank  of  the  Chickahominy,  at  a  point  where  it  is  crossed  by  the 
Brook  Turnpike.  Gen.  Branch,  who  was  on  the  south  bank,  then 
crossed  the  river  and  wheeled  to  the  right,  down  its  northern  bank. 
Proceeding  in  that  direction.  Gen.  Branch,  in  like  manner  uncoverpd, 
at  Meadow  Bridge,  the  front  of  Major  Gen.  A.  P.  Hill,  who  imme- 
diately crossed. 

The  three  columns  then  proceeded  en  echelon — Gen.  Jackson  in 
advance  and  on  the  extreme  left.  Gen.  Branch  (who  was  now  merged 
with  Gen.  A.  P.  Hill)  in  the  centre,  and  Gen.  A.  P.  Hill  on  the  right, 
immediately  on  the  river.  Jackson,  bearing  away  from  the  Chicka- 
hominy in  this  part  of  the  march,  so  as  to  gain  ground  toward  the 
Pamunkey,  marched  to  the  left  of  Mechanicsville,  while  Gen.  Hill, 
keeping  well  to  the  Chickahominy,  approached  that  village  and  engaged 
the  enemy  there. 

Driven  from  the  immediate  locality  of  Mechanicsville,  the  enemy 
retreated  during  the  night  down  the  river  to  Powhitc  Swamp,  andTiight 
closed  the  operations  of  the  2Gth. 

On  Friday,  27th,  early  in  the  morning  the  general  advance  en  echelon 
again  began ;  Gen.  Jackson  in  advance  far  to  the  left,  gradually  con- 
verging to  the  Chickahominy  again;  Gen.  A.  P.  Hill  in  the  centre, 
and  bearing  toward  New  Coal  Harbor;  Gen.  Longstreet  and  Gen.  D. 
H.  Hill,  coming  down  the  ('hickahominy  to  New  Bridge.  Arrived  at 
Hogan's  Hou.'-c,  near  New  Bri<lge,  Gen.  Lee  awaited  the  consummation 
of  his  magnificent  strategy;  courier  after  courier  arrived,  inform- 
ing him  of  the  approach  of  each  division.     As  soon  as  Jackson's  arrival 


78  BATTLE   OF    RICHMOND. 

Our  cohorts  dasb'd,  exposed  to  raking  sliot 
That  plow'd  the  earth  .and  made  the  still  air  hot. 
The  enemy  fell  back ;  their  works  were  ours ; 
Won  by  stout  hearts  'mid  deadly  bullet-showers. 


at  Coal  Harbor  wa.s  announced,  Gens.  Lee  and  Longstreet,  accompanied 
It}'  their  rcspcctivo  Htiiflfs,  nidc  to  Gaines'  Mill  and  halted  at  New  Coal 
Harbor,  here  they  joined  (Jen.  A.  P.  Hill.  8oon  the  welcome  sound 
ot"  Jackson's  guns  announced  his  arrival,  and  the  battle  beiran. 

The  enemy  now  occupied  a  sinirular  position,  one  ]>ortion  of  his  army 
on  the  south  side  of"  the  Chiekahomiiiy,  fronted  Iliclnuond,  and  was 
eiiufronted  by  (Jen.  Ma;^ruder  j  the  other  portion  on  the  north  side,  had 
turned  their  backs  on  Richmond,  and  fronted  destruction  in  the  persons 
of  Lee,  Longstreet,  Jackson  and  the  Hills. 

Jackson  having  begun  the  contest,  it  was  taken  up  b}'  the  Hills,  and 
raged  with  great  fury  and  display  of  the  utmost  daring  and  intrepidity 
by  the  Confederates  from  4  o'clock  until  8.  The  enemy's  lines  were 
linally  broken  and  his  strong  positions  alL  carried,  and  night  covered 
the  retreat  of  McClellan's  broken  and  routed  columns  to  the  south  side 
of  the  Chickahominy.  This  retreat  continued  through  Friday  night 
and  i>aturday  morning.  Closely  watched  and  pressed  by  our  army, 
he  held  his  fortified  camp  on  the  south  side  of  the  Chickahominy 
during  Saturday,  28th,  but  evacuate<l  it  during  the  night,  and  resumed 
his  retreat,  taking  direction  toward  James  River. 

The  retreat  which  began  from  the  north  side  on  Friday  night,  on 
Sunday  changed  into  a  flight,  and  the  fool  races  of  the  army  of  the 
Potomac  were  run  down  toward  James  River,  through  Charles  City 
county. 

On  Sunday,  June  29th,  the  battle  of  Savage  Station  took  place.  It 
was  a  severe  and  lively  fight,  the  enemy  wa.s  easily  driven  back  with 
loss,  Uiany  jirisoners  falling  into  our  hands.  The  troops  engaged  on 
our  side  were  the  division  of  (Sen.  McLaws,  consisting  of  Gens.  Ker- 
shaw's and  Semmes'  brigades,  supported  by  (Jen.  Griffith's  brigade  from 
JMagruder's  division.  (Jen.  Griflitii  fell  in  this  fight,  which  raged 
furiously  until  darkness  put  an  end  to  the  contest. 

J)ffring  Sunday,  the  mortifying  fact  became  known  to  our  Generals 
that  iMcClellan  liad  in  a  nleasure  succeeded  in  eluding  us,  and  was 
retreating  toward  James  River,  having  st<jlen  a  march  of  twelve  hours 
on  (jcn.  Huger,  who  had  been  placed  in  a.positiou  on  his  flank,  to  watch 
his  movements. 

On  -Monday,  June  30th,  Longstreet,  ITuger  and  Magrudcr  pursued 
the  enemy  by  the  Charles  City  road,  with  the  intention  of  cutting  him 
off.  Tiiey  overtook  him  at  White  Oak  Swamp,  but  they  had  crossed 
the  stream  and  burnt  the  bridge  behind  them.     An  artillery  tight, 


%• 


BATTLE   OF    RICHMOND.  79 


Still  forward  rushing,  in  a  solid  mass, 
Our  gallant  soldiers  thro'  the  village  pass, 
Assail  the  second  work,  by  Pender  led, 
O'er  rijQie-pits,  abattis,  heaps  of  dead. 


however,  took  place ;  the  casualties  on  both  sides  are  said  to  have  been 
severe ;  indeed  it  is  said  to  have  been  the  heaviest  artillery  fight  during 
the  war. 

At  about  4  o'clock  on  the  same  day,  Gen.  A.  P.  Hill,  having  com- 
mand of  Longstreet's  division  and  his  own,  encountered  tjic  enemy, 
jvho  was  in  position  about  five  miles  north  of  Darbytown,  on  the  New 
Market  road.  The  fight  was  desperate,  and  lasted  until  half  past  ten 
o'clock  in  the  night.  President  Pavis  was  on  the  field  during  the  day. 
During  the  night  the  enemy  retreated  down  the  Quaker  road  toward 
Malvern  Hill ;  here  he  took  a  strong  position,  about  two  miles  and  a 
half  from  his  gunboats  on  James  River. 

On  Tuesday  morning,  July  1st,  P.  H.  Hill's  division,  on  the  right 
of  Jackson,  Whiting,  Ewcll  and  Jackson's  own  division  on  the  left, 
crossed  the  White  Oak  Bridge.  Longstrect,  A.  P.  Hill,  Magruder  and 
Huger,  on  the  right  wing,  pushed  down  the  Long  Bridge  road  in  pur- 
suit, and  took  position  on  the  left  and  front  of  the  enemy,  under  fire 
of  all  his  artillery  on  land  and  water. 

The  battle  commenced  with  skirmishers,  and  soon  the  entire  corjis 
(Varmee  were  engaged.  The  indomitable  Jackson  assailed  the  enemy 
with  great  energy  on  the  right  of  their  position,  and  soon  drove  them 
from  the  field.  The  dusk  of  evening,  deepened  into  darkne.<^s,  favored 
the  retreat  of  the  Federals,  who  succeeded  in  carrying  off  their  pieces, 
though  with  a  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  equal  to,  if  not  greater  than 
our  own. 

On  Wednesday,  July  2d,  the  main  body  of  McClellan's  grand  army 
reached  the  much  coveted  positions  in  the  neighborhood  of  Berkeley 
and  Westovor,  on  the  James  Kivcr,  where  they  took  a  rest  of  more 
than  a  month — and  then  sought  a  new  banc. 

In  this  series  of  sanguinary  battles,  the  Federal  loss  is  said  to  have 
amounted  to  over  25,000  killed,  wounded  and  missing.  The  total  of 
the  Confederate  loss  was  12,989. 

Truly  does  a  Northern  writer  say  :  "The  soil -of  Virginia  is  now 
sacred.  It  is  fcathed  with  the  reddest  blood  of  the  broad  land.  Every 
rood  of  it,  from  upper  ChickaliDminy  to  the  base  of  Malvern  Hill,  is 
crimsoned  with  blood.  The  dark  forests — fitting  canopy  for  such  woful 
sacrifice — echo  with  the  wails  of  wounded  and  dying  men.  There  is 
a  bloody  corp.ic  in  every  copse,  and  mangled  soldiers  in  every  thicket  of 
that  ensanguined  field." 


bU  l.ATTLE    OF    niCIIMONI). 

Sons  of  the  old  North,  (leorgia's  heroes,  too, 
Charged  side  by  side  and  cut  their  patlnvay  through ; 
Till  Night,  in  mercy,  drew  her  veil  around, 
And  sent  her  dews  to  cool  the  fever'd  ground. 

At  early  dawn  the  drum,  with  lengthend  roll. 
Woke  the  tired  soldier — fir'd  the  drooping  soul ; 
Forward  again,  more  hatt'ries  to  be  won, 
;More  blood  to  ilow  before  the  set  of  sun. 
The  Hills,  brave  Longstreet  and  stern  Lee  were  there ;    • 

Pryor  and  Gregg  had  huslTd  tiie  Yankee's  fire; 
Our  men  rush'd  on  with  shouts  that  rent  the  air. 

Driving  th'  invading  hordes  thro'  uiud  and  mire. 
Till  they  reach'd  Gaines'  Mill,  where  breastwork.-*  frown'd, 
And  monster  guns  commanded  all  around. 
How  cheap  was  life  upon  that  awful  day! 
Humanity  looked  on,  then  turned  away 
And  wept — for  man  his  savage  nature  sliow'd  ; 
In  strife  slay  all  .you  can — that 's  Honor's  code. 

On  with  your  firm  brigade,  brave  Prj'or,  on ! 
Wilcox,  advance !  yon  hatt'ries  must  be  won ! 
Heed  not  the  storm  of  grape  and  canister. 
Or  shells  that  pierce  the  air  with  fearful  blir; 
Wave  your  proud  colors — give  your  war-shout  free, 
Your  country  calls — you  hold  her  destiny. 

Up  the  steep  hill,  with  bay'net  glist'ning  bright, 
The  brigades  rush,  then  deadly  is  the  fight; 
They  stagger — halt — brave  Wilcox  shouts  aloud, 
^'Forward,  my  boys !"  then, 'mid  the  sul[)iairous  cloud 
They  disappear,  the  sod  can  only  tell 
How  many  gallant  souls  that  morning  fell. 


BATTLE    OF    RICHMOND.  81 

Yet,  onward,  tho'  a  mighty  host  oppose, 

With  gallant  Featherstone  in  front,  the}'-  rose 

Above  all  fear;  fainting,  tho'  fighting  still. 

They  made  theiji' journey  up  the  bloody  hill, 

When,  from  the,:  wood,  burst  forth  the  gladsome  cheer, 

"Jackson's  come  up — he's  on  their  right  and  rear!" 

Terrific  now  th©' fight;  with  furious  dash 

The  columns  now  in  double  anger  clash ; 

Hood  with  his  Texans,  Whiting,  Pender — sweep 

Over  the  field  in  blood  and  carnage  deep. 

Double  the  hurricane  of  fire  that  shakes 

The  solid  earth — -its  deaf 'ning  echo  wakes, 

Rolls  from  the  foemen's  dread  artillery, 

Sweeping  along,  like  tempest  o'er  the  sea. 

Onward  we  press,  and  backward  fall  the  foe, 

Till  their  ranks  break  and  their  proud  flag  is  low. 

Then  comes  a  roar  from  Jackson's  angry  guns 

That  sends  a.  thrill  of  terror  thro'  the  mass 
Of  flying  Dutchmen,  Puritans  and  Huns 

Who  have  permits  to  leave  without  a  pass. 
Arms,  cannon,  baggage,  colors — all  are  lost ; 
Stores  and  munitions,  that  had  millions  cost, 
Are  left  to  us — their  gory  heaps  of  dead. 
And,  with  their  hosts,  their  glory,  too,  has  fled ! 

Another  day  set  in  ;  more  blood  must  flow 

Our  forces  still  pursued  the  flying  foe ; 

Moody  pour'd  in  his  fire  near  Garnett's  farm," 

When  up  came  Georgia's  vet'rans  fresh  and  warm. 

They  charge  the  breastworks,  drive  the  foe  beyond, 

And,  \^ith  a  cheer,  to  their  faint  fire  respond — 
11 


82  •  BATTLE    OF    RICHMOND. 

Yet  many  a  gallant  soul  fell  on  that  day, 
And  many  a  widow  weeps  her  life  away. 

The  holy  Sabbath  came.     Worn,  mcu.  with  blood, 
Our  men  push'd  on  thro'  paths  of  miro^and  nuid; 
McLaws  in  front,  Kershaw  and  Semmes'  men, 
Sustained  by  Griflith,' filed  thro'  wood  aud  glen. 
More  grinning  bastions  barr'd  their  onward  way, 
With  hot  and  deadly  fire — but  what  card  they? 
Kemper  brought  up  his  deatli-diflusiug  dogs. 
And  ran  the  Hessians  further  thro'  the  lx)gs. 
'Twas  here  that  Griffith  fell;  as  brave  a  soul 
As  ever  courted  fire  or  war-drum's  roll ; 
Mourn'd  by  the  fearless  Mississippi  band 
Who  fought  at  Leesburg  under  his  command. 
As  the  sun  set  upon  the  crimson  field 

Magruder  reach'd  the  Hying  Ibeman's  rear;. 
Attacked  his  ranks,  while  Kershaw's  brigade  peal'd 

A  fire  that  scatter'd  them  like  frighted  deer. 
Meanwhile  the  dashing  Stuart  made  a  raid 

Toward  the  White  House,  captur'd  all  their  stores ; 
Burnt  transports,  hosts  of  prisoners  made, 

Who  mourn'd  the  day  they  reach'd  Virginia's  shores. 

With  the  next  morn  't  was — up  and  on  again 
Toward  the  White  Oaks,  o'er  a  stubbled  plain; 
There  stood  the  foe  with  fifty  cannon  bared, 
All  loaded,  capp'd  and  lor  the  charge  prc})ar'd. 
Our  batt'ries  open'd,  quickly  theirs  replied. 
Death  revell'd  in  the  ranks  of  either  side,  • 


BATTLE   OF    RICHMOND.  83 

Till  night  closed  in.     The  enemy  fell  back 
And  left  their  dead  and  wounded  on  their  track. 

Meanwhile  the  dauntless  Hill  his  corps  advanc'd, 
Near  Darbytown;  their  bristling  bayonets  glanc'd 
In  the  bright  sun,  as  firmly  on  they  went 
In  one  huge  mass,  on  victory  intent. 
The  shell  and  shot  whirl'd,  whistling,  thro'  the  air, 
Devouring  fire  spread  carnage  every  where ; 
Mad  shrieks  and  shouts  scar  d  the  wild  bird  of  prey. 
And  grim  Death  frolick'd  on  that  awfbl  day. 
Still  on  the  victors  press'd  o'^r  pools  of  gore', 
Driving  with  yells  the  scatter'd  foe  before. 
Night  spread  around,  yet  sheets  of  vengeful  flame 
Pour'd  from  the  guns,  as  if  from  Heav'n  they  came  ; 
The  foe  had  made  a  stand,  and,  reinforc'd, 
Essay 'd  to  gain  the  ground  that  they  had  lost. 
The  shock  came  on  our  men  with  stunning  power, 
They  struggled,  't  was  a  dark  and  fearful  hour. 
Hill  dash'd  in  front  of  Wilcox's  weak  brigade, 
Bade  them  cheer  loud,  the  order  was  obey'd  ; 
The  foe  was  check'd,  they  thought 't  was  Jackson's  men. 
And  so  commenc'd  their  retrograde  again. 

Another  day  set  in,  and  still  went  on 
The  carnival  of  Death ;  the  noonday  sun 
Saw  tjie  two  armies  drawn  up  face  to  face. 
One  flush'd  with  hope,  the  other  with  disgrace. 
The  Howitzers  and  Grimes'  batteries 
Open'd  the  Ijall  with  cannon  melodies, 
That  made  old  Earth  shake  to  the  very  corc, 
While  Heav'n  sent  back  the  fierce  and  doubling  roar. 


84  BATTLE    OF    RICHMOND. 

Then  came  up  Pegrani,  with  his  veterans  bold. 

His  guns  their  track  of  desolation  told, 

But,  one  by  one  they  fell,  till  Davidson 

His  iron  tempest  on  the  foe  l>egun. 

Up  charg'd  a  column  of  our  dauntless  men. 

Like  leaves  they  ft'H  to  rise  no  more  again; 

Death's  whirlwind  swept  them  from  the  hot  plateau; 

Cheer  upon  cheer  sent  up  the  haughty  foe. 

Now  the  brisk  musketry,  with  fiendish  ire, 

Sent  forth  a  galling  ilood  of  lead  and  fire; 

Appalling  thunder  Icap'd  from  batteries 

That  rent  the  earth  and  tore  the  forest  trees; 

Shells  quiver'd  in  the  air  from  gunboats  far. 

Death-dealing  ofierings  at  the  shrine  of  War ; 

Squadrons  were  swept  from  off  the  quaking  earth. 

Carnage  and  Havoc  laugh'd  in  ver}^  mirth. 

Our  fainting  ranks  gave  way,  when,  hark,  a  peal 

Of  cannonry  upon  the  foeman's  right ! 
'T  is  Jackson  with  his  braves  !  the  vaunters  reel — 

Break  in  confusion,  then  resort  to  llight ! 
The  veil  of  night  came  slowly  gath'ring  round. 
Wounded  and  dead  lie  scatter'd  o'er  the  ground ; 
Zephyrs  came  dancing  o'er  the  field  of  gore. 
Kissing  the  dead  and  whisp'ring — "  This  is  War ! " 
Fainter  and  fainter  th'  hum  of  fiying  hosts, 

Louder  the  cheers  of  our  resistless  men ;  • 

Where  now  the  "Young  Napoleon's"  mighty  hosts? 

Will  they  reduce  the  Capital — and  when? 
He  reach'd  his  "  new  base  "  on  James  river  shore 
With  half  an  army — that  half  sick  of  war. 


BATTLE   OF    RICHMOND.  85 

Shelter'd  by  gunboats,  spread  bis  canvass  out. 
And  set  to  work  on  breastwork  and  redoubt. 
Alas !  for  tbat  grand  bost  wbicb  cost  so  much, 
Alas !  for  princely  staff — Frencb,  Irisb,  Dutch  ! 

Seven  long  days  of  battle — nights  of  woe 
Had  thinn'd  our  ranks,  but  still  they  watch'd  the  foe. 
Those  gallant  souls !  self-sacrificing  braves ! 
Who  at  their  thresholds  found  their  honor'd  graves ; 
Peace  be  with  them.     The  poet's  harp  shall  sound 
Praise  to  the  dead  who  fell  by  Glory  crown'd. 
Among  the  many,  was  the  high-ton'd  Wheat, 
A  hero  born — a  gentleman  complete; 
Inured  to  war — he'd  been  in  many  a  fight, 
Ever  unflinching,  always  for  the  right. 
At  Gaines'  Mills  his  engle-eye  was  seal'd — 
His  last  request — "Boys,  bury  me  on  the  field!" 

Now,  rest  thee,  muse — but  half  thy  task  is  done. 
War's  barbed  chariot  still  rolls  madl}^  on ; 
His  cry  is  heard  all  o'er  the  groaning  land. 
And  armies  melt  beneath  his  blazing  wand. 


Note. — The  2d  Canto  of  the  poem  of  "  War"  is  in  course  of  com- 
pletion, and  will  be  issued  as  soon  as  circumstances  will  permit. 


JOSffN  RUZICKA 
BOOKBlNOrRS 

BALI  IMCRI.XD 


